Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Hill, MO (2023 Update)
- Rock Hill Solar Installation Cost: $13,111
- 25-Year Savings: $18,719
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rock Hill
We break down average solar pricing in Rock Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rock Hill, the average cost of a solar system is 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rock Hill is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,108 for a solar installation, or $18,744 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rock Hill homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rock Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,005 |
| 3 years | $-12,793 |
| 5 years | $-12,581 |
| 7 years | $-12,369 |
| 9 years | $-12,157 |
| 11 years | $-11,944 |
| 13 years | $-11,732 |
| 15 years | $-11,520 |
| 17 years | $-11,308 |
| 19 years | $-11,096 |
| 21 years | $-10,883 |
| 23 years | $-10,671 |
| 25 years | $-10,459 |
Top Solar Installers in Rock Hill
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rock Hill, we've compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Rock Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Hill
The cost of installing a solar system in Rock Hill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,590. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rock Hill, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rock Hill, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Rock Hill, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $15,095 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $20,417 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $25,884 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $31,496 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $37,253 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $43,155 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $49,202 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $55,394 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Rock Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Rock Hill, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rock Hill?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $880.28 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Rock Hill?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.