Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ridgeland, SC (2025 Update)
- Ridgeland Solar Installation Cost: $17,991
- 25-Year Savings: $29,436
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ridgeland
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Ridgeland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ridgeland it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ridgeland, the average price of going solar will be about $17,991 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ridgeland homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Ridgeland homeowner can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Ridgeland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ridgeland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,251 |
| 3 years | $-12,770 |
| 5 years | $-9,289 |
| 7 years | $-5,808 |
| 9 years | $-2,327 |
| 11 years | $1,153 |
| 13 years | $4,634 |
| 15 years | $8,115 |
| 17 years | $11,596 |
| 19 years | $15,077 |
| 21 years | $18,557 |
| 23 years | $22,038 |
| 25 years | $25,519 |
Top Solar Installers in Ridgeland
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Ridgeland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ridgeland
Cost is usually 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 Ridgeland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Ridgeland, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,450 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ridgeland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ridgeland, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Ridgeland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $20,062 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,136 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,403 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,863 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,516 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,363 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,403 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $73,636 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project 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 big role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Ridgeland, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ridgeland?
The average cost of solar panels in Ridgeland 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ridgeland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Ridgeland?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.