Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Grove, SC (2024 Update)
- Oak Grove Solar Installation Cost: $19,152
- 25-Year Savings: $31,167
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Grove
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oak Grove.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oak Grove, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Oak Grove, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,152, or $27,387 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Oak Grove can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oak Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,412 |
| 3 years | $-13,931 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-6,970 |
| 9 years | $-3,489 |
| 11 years | $-8 |
| 13 years | $3,473 |
| 15 years | $6,954 |
| 17 years | $10,435 |
| 19 years | $13,915 |
| 21 years | $17,396 |
| 23 years | $20,877 |
| 25 years | $24,358 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Grove
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Oak Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Grove
For many Oak Grove homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oak Grove, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,450 per kilowatt in Oak Grove.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Oak Grove homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $19,934 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,965 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,190 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,607 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,218 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,022 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,019 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $73,210 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Oak Grove, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak Grove?
The average cost of solar panels in Oak Grove is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Oak Grove?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Oak Grove. 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 Oak Grove have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Oak Grove?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.