Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Falls, SC (2024 Update)
- Valley Falls Solar Installation Cost: $19,511
- 25-Year Savings: $28,443
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Falls
We go over average solar pricing in Valley Falls.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Valley Falls, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Valley Falls is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,511 for a solar installation, or $27,901 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Valley Falls homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,026 |
| 3 years | $-15,055 |
| 5 years | $-12,084 |
| 7 years | $-9,114 |
| 9 years | $-6,143 |
| 11 years | $-3,173 |
| 13 years | $-202 |
| 15 years | $2,768 |
| 17 years | $5,739 |
| 19 years | $8,709 |
| 21 years | $11,680 |
| 23 years | $14,650 |
| 25 years | $17,621 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Falls
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Valley Falls, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Valley Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Falls
The cost of installing a solar system in Valley Falls can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,450 per kilowatt in Valley Falls.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Valley Falls, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Valley Falls, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $17,478 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,690 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,095 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,694 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,486 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $50,471 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,649 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $65,021 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Valley Falls, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Valley Falls, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley Falls?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Valley Falls, 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.
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 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.