Solar Panel Cost Guide in Surfside Beach, SC (2025 Update)
- Surfside Beach Solar Installation Cost: $18,525
- 25-Year Savings: $30,790
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Surfside Beach
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Surfside Beach.
The average cost of solar panels in Surfside Beach is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Surfside Beach is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,525 for a solar installation, or $26,491 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Surfside Beach homeowners. The cost 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.With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Surfside Beach find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Surfside Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,743 |
| 3 years | $-13,179 |
| 5 years | $-9,615 |
| 7 years | $-6,051 |
| 9 years | $-2,487 |
| 11 years | $1,077 |
| 13 years | $4,641 |
| 15 years | $8,205 |
| 17 years | $11,769 |
| 19 years | $15,333 |
| 21 years | $18,897 |
| 23 years | $22,461 |
| 25 years | $26,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Surfside Beach
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Surfside Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Surfside Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Surfside Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,450. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Surfside Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $20,438 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,637 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,030 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $42,615 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,394 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,366 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $66,531 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $74,889 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Surfside Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Surfside Beach, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Surfside Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Surfside Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,183.59 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Surfside Beach?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.