Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sumter, SC (2024 Update)
- Sumter Solar Installation Cost: $19,119
- 25-Year Savings: $25,704
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sumter
We break down average solar pricing in Sumter.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sumter, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sumter is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,119 for a solar installation, or $27,340 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Sumter that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sumter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,561 |
| 3 years | $-14,445 |
| 5 years | $-11,329 |
| 7 years | $-8,213 |
| 9 years | $-5,097 |
| 11 years | $-1,981 |
| 13 years | $1,135 |
| 15 years | $4,251 |
| 17 years | $7,367 |
| 19 years | $10,483 |
| 21 years | $13,599 |
| 23 years | $16,715 |
| 25 years | $19,831 |
Top Solar Installers in Sumter
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Sumter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sumter
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sumter is $19,119, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Sumter, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,835 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $21,500 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $27,358 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $33,409 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $39,653 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $46,091 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $52,722 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $59,546 | 10.5 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 brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Sumter, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sumter?
The average cost of solar panels in Sumter 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sumter?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sumter?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.