Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluffton, IN (2025 Update)
- Bluffton Solar Installation Cost: $25,574
- 25-Year Savings: $22,072
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluffton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bluffton.
In Bluffton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Bluffton homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $25,574 with the federal tax credit, or $36,571 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bluffton find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluffton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,248 |
| 3 years | $-21,597 |
| 5 years | $-18,945 |
| 7 years | $-16,294 |
| 9 years | $-13,643 |
| 11 years | $-10,992 |
| 13 years | $-8,341 |
| 15 years | $-5,689 |
| 17 years | $-3,038 |
| 19 years | $-387 |
| 21 years | $2,264 |
| 23 years | $4,915 |
| 25 years | $7,567 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluffton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Bluffton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluffton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Bluffton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 with better 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 $4,100.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Bluffton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Bluffton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $8,209 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $11,405 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $14,830 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $18,485 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $22,370 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $26,484 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $30,828 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $35,401 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
EcoWatch's Bluffton, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bluffton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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 less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bluffton?
Solar panels aren’t free in Bluffton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Bluffton have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.