Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, SC (2024 Update)
- Mount Pleasant Solar Installation Cost: $17,655
- 25-Year Savings: $32,538
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Pleasant
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Mount Pleasant.
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant is 3 per watt.The average Mount Pleasant homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,655 with the federal tax credit, or $25,247 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Mount Pleasant homeowner can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Mount Pleasant that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,918 |
| 3 years | $-12,443 |
| 5 years | $-8,967 |
| 7 years | $-5,492 |
| 9 years | $-2,017 |
| 11 years | $1,458 |
| 13 years | $4,934 |
| 15 years | $8,409 |
| 17 years | $11,884 |
| 19 years | $15,359 |
| 21 years | $18,834 |
| 23 years | $22,310 |
| 25 years | $25,785 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Pleasant
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Mount Pleasant
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant
While the average cost of a solar system in Mount Pleasant is $17,655, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Mount Pleasant, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mount Pleasant is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.59 | $15,070 | $23,058 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $31,131 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $39,397 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $47,856 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $56,508 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $65,353 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $74,392 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $83,624 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Mount Pleasant, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Mount Pleasant, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Mount Pleasant have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.