Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountain Inn, SC (2024 Update)

  • Fountain Inn Solar Installation Cost: $19,395
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,139
  • Payback Period: 10.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fountain Inn

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fountain Inn.

In Fountain Inn, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $19,395 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fountain Inn

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,909
3 years $-14,939
5 years $-11,968
7 years $-8,998
9 years $-6,027
11 years $-3,057
13 years $-86
15 years $2,884
17 years $5,855
19 years $8,825
21 years $11,796
23 years $14,766
25 years $17,737

Top Solar Installers in Fountain Inn

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Fountain Inn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountain Inn

There are many factors that can influence your total 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

Solar 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 crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fountain Inn to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fountain Inn homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fountain Inn is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $18,872 11.1 years
8 kW $3.52 $19,706 $25,549 10.9 years
10 kW $3.45 $24,150 $32,419 10.7 years
12 kW $3.38 $28,400 $39,482 10.5 years
14 kW $3.31 $32,458 $46,739 10.2 years
16 kW $3.24 $36,322 $54,188 10.0 years
18 kW $3.17 $39,992 $61,831 9.8 years
20 kW $3.11 $43,470 $69,667 9.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Long-standing 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: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Fountain Inn, SC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fountain Inn?

The average cost of solar panels in Fountain Inn 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fountain Inn?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Does Fountain Inn have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

Follow us