Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seven Oaks, SC (2024 Update)
- Seven Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $19,152
- 25-Year Savings: $30,830
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seven Oaks
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Seven Oaks.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Seven Oaks generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Seven Oaks, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,152, or $27,387 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Seven Oaks homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Seven Oaks can save about $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Seven Oaks
| 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 Seven Oaks
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Seven Oaks:
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 Seven Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seven Oaks
There are several factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,450 per kilowatt in Seven Oaks.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Seven Oaks, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Seven Oaks homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $19,679 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,625 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $33,764 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,096 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $48,622 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $56,341 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $64,253 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $72,358 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Seven Oaks, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Seven Oaks?
The average cost of solar panels in Seven Oaks 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Seven Oaks?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Seven Oaks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.