Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Mill, SC (2024 Update)
- Fort Mill Solar Installation Cost: $19,570
- 25-Year Savings: $23,911
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Mill
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fort Mill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fort Mill it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $19,570 before the 0 federal solar 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 needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Fort Mill, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Mill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,085 |
| 3 years | $-15,114 |
| 5 years | $-12,144 |
| 7 years | $-9,173 |
| 9 years | $-6,203 |
| 11 years | $-3,232 |
| 13 years | $-261 |
| 15 years | $2,709 |
| 17 years | $5,680 |
| 19 years | $8,650 |
| 21 years | $11,621 |
| 23 years | $14,591 |
| 25 years | $17,562 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Mill
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fort Mill, we've compiled 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
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 Fort Mill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Mill
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Fort Mill, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Mill average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Mill to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fort Mill, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $14,059 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $19,131 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $24,397 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $29,856 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $35,508 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $41,354 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $47,392 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $53,624 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Fort Mill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Fort Mill, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Mill?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Mill is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Mill?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fort Mill. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fort Mill, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install 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.