Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Mill, SC (2023 Update)
- Fort Mill Solar Installation Cost: $15,429
- 25-Year Savings: $23,911
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Mill
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fort Mill.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Mill generally cost about 2.72. The average Fort Mill homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,422 with the federal tax credit, or $22,053 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fort Mill can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Fort Mill for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fort Mill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,944 |
| 3 years | $-10,973 |
| 5 years | $-8,003 |
| 7 years | $-5,032 |
| 9 years | $-2,062 |
| 11 years | $909 |
| 13 years | $3,879 |
| 15 years | $6,850 |
| 17 years | $9,820 |
| 19 years | $12,791 |
| 21 years | $15,762 |
| 23 years | $18,732 |
| 25 years | $21,703 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Mill
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fort Mill is $15,422, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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 $2,720. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Fort Mill's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 | $2.83 | $11,881 | $17,247 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $23,301 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $29,507 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $35,865 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $42,376 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $49,039 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $55,854 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $62,822 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- 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 brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fort Mill?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Mill?
Solar panels aren'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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Mill?
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 decide to 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.