Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mauldin, SC (2024 Update)

  • Mauldin Solar Installation Cost: $19,500
  • 25-Year Savings: $29,289
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Mauldin

We break down average solar pricing in Mauldin.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mauldin, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $19,500 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Mauldin based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mauldin find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Mauldin for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Mauldin

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,015
3 years$-15,044
5 years$-12,074
7 years$-9,103
9 years$-6,133
11 years$-3,162
13 years$-192
15 years$2,779
17 years$5,749
19 years$8,720
21 years$11,691
23 years$14,661
25 years$17,632

Top Solar Installers in Mauldin

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Mauldin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mauldin

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Mauldin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,450 per kilowatt in Mauldin.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Mauldin offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Mauldin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.59$15,070$18,11811.4 years
8 kW$3.52$19,706$24,54411.1 years
10 kW$3.45$24,150$31,16310.9 years
12 kW$3.38$28,400$37,97510.7 years
14 kW$3.31$32,458$44,98110.5 years
16 kW$3.24$36,322$52,17910.3 years
18 kW$3.17$39,992$59,57110.0 years
20 kW$3.11$43,470$67,1569.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Mauldin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Mauldin, SC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mauldin?

The average cost of solar panels in Mauldin 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Mauldin?

Solar panels aren’t free in Mauldin, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even 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 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.