Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gaffney, SC (2025 Update)
- Gaffney Solar Installation Cost: $19,531
- 25-Year Savings: $27,085
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gaffney
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Gaffney.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gaffney, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Gaffney, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,531, or $27,929 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gaffney homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Gaffney homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gaffney
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-18,046 |
3 years | $-15,075 |
5 years | $-12,105 |
7 years | $-9,134 |
9 years | $-6,164 |
11 years | $-3,193 |
13 years | $-223 |
15 years | $2,748 |
17 years | $5,718 |
19 years | $8,689 |
21 years | $11,659 |
23 years | $14,630 |
25 years | $17,600 |
Top Solar Installers in Gaffney
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Gaffney:
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 Gaffney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gaffney
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Gaffney: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,450 per kilowatt in Gaffney.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gaffney to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Gaffney, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Gaffney are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $16,448 | 12.0 years |
8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $22,317 | 11.7 years |
10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $28,379 | 11.5 years |
12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $34,635 | 11.3 years |
14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $41,083 | 11.0 years |
16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $47,725 | 10.8 years |
18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $54,560 | 10.6 years |
20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $61,589 | 10.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- 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 timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Gaffney, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gaffney?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gaffney?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gaffney is currently $162,852, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,677 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gaffney is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.