Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Mill, SC (2025 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 average cost of a solar panel system in Fort Mill is 3 per watt.Since a 8.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fort Mill, the average price of going solar will be about $19,570 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Fort Mill depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fort Mill see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Fort Mill that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Fort Mill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Mill
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Mill to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fort Mill is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Fort Mill, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Mill?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fort Mill, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.