Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Hill, SC (2024 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 February 03, 2024

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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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rock Hill it’s 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.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rock Hill

Year Return 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

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

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

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

See all of the solar companies in Rock Hill

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Hill

The cost of installing a solar system in Rock Hill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rock Hill, 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rock Hill homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Rock Hill, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $15,925 12.2 years
8 kW $3.52 $19,706 $21,620 11.9 years
10 kW $3.45 $24,150 $27,508 11.7 years
12 kW $3.38 $28,400 $33,589 11.5 years
14 kW $3.31 $32,458 $39,863 11.2 years
16 kW $3.24 $36,322 $46,331 11.0 years
18 kW $3.17 $39,992 $52,992 10.8 years
20 kW $3.11 $43,470 $59,846 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

EcoWatch's Rock Hill, SC Solar Cost FAQs

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

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

Are solar panels free in Rock Hill?

Solar panels aren’t free in Rock Hill, 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 you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much 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 keep using 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.

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