Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beaufort, SC (2025 Update)
- Beaufort Solar Installation Cost: $17,687
- 25-Year Savings: $32,322
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beaufort
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Beaufort.
The average cost of a solar system in Beaufort is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $17,687 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Beaufort homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Beaufort find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beaufort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,946 |
| 3 years | $-12,466 |
| 5 years | $-8,985 |
| 7 years | $-5,504 |
| 9 years | $-2,023 |
| 11 years | $1,458 |
| 13 years | $4,938 |
| 15 years | $8,419 |
| 17 years | $11,900 |
| 19 years | $15,381 |
| 21 years | $18,862 |
| 23 years | $22,342 |
| 25 years | $25,823 |
Top Solar Installers in Beaufort
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Beaufort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beaufort
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Beaufort: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Beaufort, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $22,834 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $30,832 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $39,023 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $47,407 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $55,985 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $64,755 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $73,719 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $82,876 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
EcoWatch's Beaufort, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Beaufort?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Beaufort?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Beaufort. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Beaufort?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Beaufort?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.