Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piedmont, SC (2024 Update)
- Piedmont Solar Installation Cost: $19,450
- 25-Year Savings: $30,277
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piedmont
We go over average solar pricing in Piedmont.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Piedmont is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Piedmont is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,450 for a solar installation, or $27,814 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Piedmont based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Piedmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,965 |
| 3 years | $-14,995 |
| 5 years | $-12,024 |
| 7 years | $-9,054 |
| 9 years | $-6,083 |
| 11 years | $-3,113 |
| 13 years | $-142 |
| 15 years | $2,829 |
| 17 years | $5,799 |
| 19 years | $8,770 |
| 21 years | $11,740 |
| 23 years | $14,711 |
| 25 years | $17,681 |
Top Solar Installers in Piedmont
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Piedmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Piedmont
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 Piedmont.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Piedmont, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 Piedmont homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Piedmont, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 | $18,910 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,599 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,482 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,558 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,827 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $54,290 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,945 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,794 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past 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 Piedmont, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Piedmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Piedmont 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Piedmont?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Piedmont, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Piedmont?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.