Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilton Head Island, SC (2024 Update)
- Hilton Head Island Solar Installation Cost: $17,687
- 25-Year Savings: $27,408
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilton Head Island
We break down average solar pricing in Hilton Head Island.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hilton Head Island typically cost about 3.Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Hilton Head Island, the average price of going solar will be about $17,687 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Hilton Head Island, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hilton Head Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,116 |
| 3 years | $-12,973 |
| 5 years | $-9,831 |
| 7 years | $-6,689 |
| 9 years | $-3,546 |
| 11 years | $-404 |
| 13 years | $2,738 |
| 15 years | $5,881 |
| 17 years | $9,023 |
| 19 years | $12,165 |
| 21 years | $15,308 |
| 23 years | $18,450 |
| 25 years | $21,592 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilton Head Island
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Hilton Head Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilton Head Island
The cost of installing a solar system in Hilton Head Island can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,450 per kilowatt in Hilton Head Island.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hilton Head Island average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal 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 installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,808 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $25,464 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $32,313 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $39,356 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $46,591 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $54,020 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $61,642 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $69,457 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, 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 understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- 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 substantial role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Hilton Head Island, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hilton Head Island?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Hilton Head Island?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.