Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluffton, IN (Mar 2023)
- Bluffton Solar Installation Cost: $16,715
- 25-Year Savings: $22,074
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluffton
We go over average solar pricing in Bluffton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bluffton it's 2.68 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bluffton is around 8.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,715 for a solar installation, or $23,902 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending 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 solid investment. The average homeowner in Bluffton can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Bluffton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluffton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,164 |
| 3 years | $-12,061 |
| 5 years | $-8,957 |
| 7 years | $-5,854 |
| 9 years | $-2,751 |
| 11 years | $352 |
| 13 years | $3,455 |
| 15 years | $6,558 |
| 17 years | $9,661 |
| 19 years | $12,764 |
| 21 years | $15,867 |
| 23 years | $18,970 |
| 25 years | $22,074 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluffton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Bluffton, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bluffton, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bluffton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluffton
The cost of installing a solar system in Bluffton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bluffton average.
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. 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Bluffton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.79 | $11,706 | $14,412 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $19,516 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $24,770 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $30,175 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $35,729 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $41,434 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $47,288 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $53,293 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bluffton, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bluffton?
The average cost of solar panels in Bluffton is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bluffton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.