Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sans Souci, SC (2024 Update)

  • Sans Souci Solar Installation Cost: $19,500
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,767
  • Payback Period: 11.8 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sans Souci

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sans Souci.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sans Souci, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sans Souci, the average price of going solar will be about $19,500 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Sans Souci

YearReturn 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 Sans Souci

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sans Souci:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Sans Souci

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sans Souci

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Sans Souci: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,450. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Sans Souci have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Sans Souci’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.59$15,070$15,50112.3 years
8 kW$3.52$19,706$21,05412.1 years
10 kW$3.45$24,150$26,80111.8 years
12 kW$3.38$28,400$32,74011.6 years
14 kW$3.31$32,458$38,87311.4 years
16 kW$3.24$36,322$45,19911.1 years
18 kW$3.17$39,992$51,71910.9 years
20 kW$3.11$43,470$58,43110.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Sans Souci, SC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sans Souci?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Sans Souci?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Sans Souci. However, you may still be able to afford 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.