Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wade Hampton, SC (2024 Update)
- Wade Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $19,500
- 25-Year Savings: $17,632
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wade Hampton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Wade Hampton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wade Hampton it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $19,500 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Wade Hampton homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Wade Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,015 |
| 3 years | $-15,044 |
| 5 years | $-12,074 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,133 |
| 11 years | $-3,162 |
| 13 years | $-192 |
| 15 years | $2,779 |
| 17 years | $5,749 |
| 19 years | $8,720 |
| 21 years | $11,691 |
| 23 years | $14,661 |
| 25 years | $17,632 |
Top Solar Installers in Wade Hampton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Wade Hampton, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Wade Hampton:
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 Wade Hampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wade Hampton
The cost of installing a solar system in Wade Hampton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Wade Hampton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wade Hampton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s wise to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wade Hampton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 provides 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 | $17,494 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $23,712 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,123 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $36,727 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $43,525 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $50,515 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $57,699 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $65,076 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Wade Hampton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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.
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 Wade Hampton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wade Hampton?
The average cost of solar panels in Wade Hampton 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Wade Hampton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Wade Hampton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.