Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Columbia, SC (2024 Update)
- West Columbia Solar Installation Cost: $19,152
- 25-Year Savings: $24,358
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Columbia
We go over average solar pricing in West Columbia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Columbia, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average West Columbia homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,152 with the federal tax credit, or $27,387 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in West Columbia can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Columbia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,412 |
| 3 years | $-13,931 |
| 5 years | $-10,450 |
| 7 years | $-6,970 |
| 9 years | $-3,489 |
| 11 years | $-8 |
| 13 years | $3,473 |
| 15 years | $6,954 |
| 17 years | $10,435 |
| 19 years | $13,915 |
| 21 years | $17,396 |
| 23 years | $20,877 |
| 25 years | $24,358 |
Top Solar Installers in West Columbia
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in West Columbia, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 West Columbia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Columbia
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in West Columbia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Columbia, you’ll have a great number 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 come at a higher cost. 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 | $19,963 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,004 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,237 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,665 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,285 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,098 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,105 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $73,305 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 West Columbia, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Columbia?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Columbia is currently $210,943, which means you can expect a value of about $8,649 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Columbia is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in West Columbia?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.
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.