Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orangeburg, SC (2024 Update)
- Orangeburg Solar Installation Cost: $18,880
- 25-Year Savings: $30,246
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orangeburg
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Orangeburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orangeburg it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Orangeburg, most homeowners require a 7.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,880, or $26,998 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Orangeburg homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Orangeburg can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orangeburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,224 |
| 3 years | $-13,914 |
| 5 years | $-10,603 |
| 7 years | $-7,292 |
| 9 years | $-3,981 |
| 11 years | $-671 |
| 13 years | $2,640 |
| 15 years | $5,951 |
| 17 years | $9,261 |
| 19 years | $12,572 |
| 21 years | $15,883 |
| 23 years | $19,194 |
| 25 years | $22,504 |
Top Solar Installers in Orangeburg
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Orangeburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orangeburg
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Orangeburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Orangeburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orangeburg to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Orangeburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Orangeburg is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $19,567 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,476 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $33,578 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $40,873 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $48,362 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $56,043 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $63,918 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $71,986 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Orangeburg, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orangeburg?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orangeburg?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Orangeburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.