Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Hill, SC (2025 Update)

  • Rock Hill Solar Installation Cost: $19,570
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,432
  • Payback Period: 11.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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 Rock Hill

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rock Hill.

The average cost of a solar system in Rock Hill is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.1-kW system would cost about $19,570 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Rock Hill homeowner can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Rock Hill, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rock Hill

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,085
3 years$-15,114
5 years$-12,144
7 years$-9,173
9 years$-6,203
11 years$-3,232
13 years$-261
15 years$2,709
17 years$5,680
19 years$8,650
21 years$11,621
23 years$14,591
25 years$17,562

Top Solar Installers in Rock Hill

Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

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

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

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 Rock Hill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Hill

For many Rock Hill homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rock Hill, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rock Hill average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Rock Hill homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.59$15,070$15,92512.2 years
8 kW$3.52$19,706$21,62011.9 years
10 kW$3.45$24,150$27,50811.7 years
12 kW$3.38$28,400$33,58911.5 years
14 kW$3.31$32,458$39,86311.2 years
16 kW$3.24$36,322$46,33111.0 years
18 kW$3.17$39,992$52,99210.8 years
20 kW$3.11$43,470$59,84610.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rock Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

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 Rock Hill, SC Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rock Hill?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Rock Hill?

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

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,033.16 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Rock Hill?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.