Solar Panel Cost Guide in Parker, SC (2024 Update)
- Parker Solar Installation Cost: $19,500
- 25-Year Savings: $30,238
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Parker
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Parker.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Parker it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $19,500 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Parker homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Parker for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Parker
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,015 |
| 3 years | $-15,044 |
| 5 years | $-12,074 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,133 |
| 11 years | $-3,162 |
| 13 years | $-192 |
| 15 years | $2,779 |
| 17 years | $5,749 |
| 19 years | $8,720 |
| 21 years | $11,691 |
| 23 years | $14,661 |
| 25 years | $17,632 |
Top Solar Installers in Parker
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Parker, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Parker
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Parker
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Parker average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Parker, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $18,823 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,484 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,338 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,385 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,626 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $54,059 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,686 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,506 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Parker, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Parker?
The average cost of solar panels in Parker 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Parker?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Parker?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.