Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, SC (2024 Update)
- York 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 York
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in York.
In York, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in York, the average price of going solar will be about $19,570 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in York find going solar has a decent ROI.
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 York
| 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 York
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in York, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in York, 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 York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York
There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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 brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many York homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going 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’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in York, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in York are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 numerous companies to choose from in York, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 York, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in York?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in York?
You can’t get solar panels for free in York. 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 York?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in York?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much 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.