Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluffton, IN (2023 Update)
- Bluffton Solar Installation Cost: $16,716
- 25-Year Savings: $22,072
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluffton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bluffton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bluffton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.68 per watt. The average Bluffton homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,715 with the federal tax credit, or $23,902 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluffton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,391 |
| 3 years | $-12,740 |
| 5 years | $-10,088 |
| 7 years | $-7,437 |
| 9 years | $-4,786 |
| 11 years | $-2,135 |
| 13 years | $517 |
| 15 years | $3,168 |
| 17 years | $5,819 |
| 19 years | $8,470 |
| 21 years | $11,121 |
| 23 years | $13,773 |
| 25 years | $16,424 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluffton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
There are several factors that can determine your solar system 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,680 per kilowatt in Bluffton. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bluffton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bluffton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Bluffton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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.
- 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Bluffton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bluffton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bluffton is currently $128,900, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,285 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bluffton is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.