Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilton Head Island, SC (2024 Update)
- Hilton Head Island Solar Installation Cost: $17,687
- 25-Year Savings: $27,408
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilton Head Island
We break down average solar pricing in Hilton Head Island.
The average cost of a solar system in Hilton Head Island is 3 per watt.The average Hilton Head Island homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,687 with the federal tax credit, or $25,292 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Hilton Head Island based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hilton Head Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,116 |
| 3 years | $-12,973 |
| 5 years | $-9,831 |
| 7 years | $-6,689 |
| 9 years | $-3,546 |
| 11 years | $-404 |
| 13 years | $2,738 |
| 15 years | $5,881 |
| 17 years | $9,023 |
| 19 years | $12,165 |
| 21 years | $15,308 |
| 23 years | $18,450 |
| 25 years | $21,592 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilton Head Island
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
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 nearby:
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 Hilton Head Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilton Head Island
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Hilton Head Island: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,450. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hilton Head Island, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hilton Head Island, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,808 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,464 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,313 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,356 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,591 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $54,020 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,642 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,457 | 9.6 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Hilton Head Island, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hilton Head Island?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Hilton Head Island?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Hilton Head Island?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.