Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluffton, OH (2024 Update)
- Bluffton Solar Installation Cost: $18,201
- 25-Year Savings: $19,912
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluffton
We go over average solar pricing in Bluffton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bluffton, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bluffton, most homeowners require a 7.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,201, or $26,027 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Bluffton homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized 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 | $-16,869 |
| 3 years | $-14,205 |
| 5 years | $-11,541 |
| 7 years | $-8,877 |
| 9 years | $-6,213 |
| 11 years | $-3,549 |
| 13 years | $-885 |
| 15 years | $1,779 |
| 17 years | $4,443 |
| 19 years | $7,107 |
| 21 years | $9,771 |
| 23 years | $12,435 |
| 25 years | $15,099 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluffton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Bluffton, we've put together 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bluffton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluffton
There are a number of criteria 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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,410 per kilowatt in Bluffton.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bluffton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bluffton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s wise 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $11,525 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,749 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $20,164 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $24,769 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $29,566 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $34,554 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $39,732 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $45,102 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bluffton, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bluffton?
The average cost of solar panels in Bluffton is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bluffton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority 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 energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.
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.