Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bluffton, SC (2024 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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bluffton typically cost around 3.The average Bluffton homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,687 with the federal tax credit, or $25,292 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Bluffton homeowner can save about $24,000 on their energy 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 | $-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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Bluffton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bluffton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Bluffton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bluffton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bluffton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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
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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bluffton, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bluffton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Bluffton?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.