Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluffton, SC (2025 Update)
- Bluffton Solar Installation Cost: $17,687
- 25-Year Savings: $29,676
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bluffton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bluffton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bluffton is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $17,687 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Bluffton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bluffton
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,946 |
3 years | $-12,466 |
5 years | $-8,985 |
7 years | $-5,504 |
9 years | $-2,023 |
11 years | $1,458 |
13 years | $4,938 |
15 years | $8,419 |
17 years | $11,900 |
19 years | $15,381 |
21 years | $18,862 |
23 years | $22,342 |
25 years | $25,823 |
Top Solar Installers in Bluffton
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Bluffton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluffton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bluffton is $17,687, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bluffton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $20,667 | 10.5 years |
8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,942 | 10.3 years |
10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,410 | 10.1 years |
12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $43,072 | 9.9 years |
14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,927 | 9.7 years |
16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,975 | 9.5 years |
18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $67,216 | 9.3 years |
20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $75,650 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Bluffton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bluffton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality 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 cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Bluffton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.