Solar Panel Cost Guide in Williamston, SC (2024 Update)
- Williamston Solar Installation Cost: $19,401
- 25-Year Savings: $31,680
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Williamston
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Williamston.
In Williamston, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 8.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Williamston, the average price of going solar will be about $19,401 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Williamston find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Williamston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,916 |
| 3 years | $-14,945 |
| 5 years | $-11,975 |
| 7 years | $-9,004 |
| 9 years | $-6,034 |
| 11 years | $-3,063 |
| 13 years | $-93 |
| 15 years | $2,878 |
| 17 years | $5,848 |
| 19 years | $8,819 |
| 21 years | $11,790 |
| 23 years | $14,760 |
| 25 years | $17,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Williamston
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Williamston:
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 Williamston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Williamston
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Williamston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Williamston have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Williamston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $20,015 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,073 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,324 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,769 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,407 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,238 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,262 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $73,479 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Williamston, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Williamston?
The average cost of solar panels in Williamston is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Williamston?
Solar panels aren’t free in Williamston, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,169.49 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Williamston?
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 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.