Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tega Cay, SC (2024 Update)
- Tega Cay Solar Installation Cost: $19,570
- 25-Year Savings: $23,911
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tega Cay
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tega Cay.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tega Cay, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Tega Cay homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,570 with the federal tax credit, or $27,985 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Tega Cay homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tega Cay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,085 |
| 3 years | $-15,114 |
| 5 years | $-12,144 |
| 7 years | $-9,173 |
| 9 years | $-6,203 |
| 11 years | $-3,232 |
| 13 years | $-261 |
| 15 years | $2,709 |
| 17 years | $5,680 |
| 19 years | $8,650 |
| 21 years | $11,621 |
| 23 years | $14,591 |
| 25 years | $17,562 |
Top Solar Installers in Tega Cay
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Tega Cay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tega Cay
Though the average cost of a solar system in Tega Cay is $19,570, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Tega Cay average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Tega Cay homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the original 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 impact your pricing. Tega Cay’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 because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $14,059 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $19,131 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $24,397 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $29,856 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $35,508 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $41,354 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $47,392 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $53,624 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Tega Cay, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tega Cay?
The average cost of solar panels in Tega Cay is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tega Cay?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Tega Cay. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Tega Cay?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.