Solar panel powering an off-grid sign lighting system for a business, showcasing cost savings, sustainability, and ROI benefits of solar sign lighting.

The ROI of Solar Sign Lighting: How Off-Grid Signs Cut Costs for Businesses

If you're thinking about lighting up your business's sign, you’re probably wondering: How much is this going to cost? Whether it's for a remote billboard or a storefront, getting that sign connected to the grid can be super expensive. We're talking thousands of dollars just for hookup fees and that’s before you factor in your monthly energy bills.

Now, here’s the good news: there’s a way to cut those costs completely and that’s with solar sign lighting ROI. It’s an investment up front, but after that, your electricity bills are basically non-existent. And when you compare cost solar vs electric sign, you’re looking at a solid ROI that pays for itself over time.

Check out how much you can save with solar here:  Get a quote

 

Why You Should Consider Solar Sign Lighting

1. Huge Savings on Installation

Let’s be honest: getting connected to the grid can be crazy expensive. Running electrical lines to remote locations, especially for billboards can cost $10,000 to $20,000 just to get power to your sign. Then, you still have to pay for the electricity each month.

With solar, there’s no need for any of that. You’re not digging trenches or paying utility companies for hookup fees. If we consider the off grid sign economics installing solar lighting can be 40-60% cheaper up front since you’re skipping the grid connection entirely.

2. Say Goodbye to Monthly Power Bills

The best part about solar-powered signs is that once they’re set up, there are zero electricity bills to worry about. Solar lights run on, you guessed it - sunlight. Once installed, they automatically power on at dusk and off at dawn without any cost to you.

No more worrying about rising electricity prices eating into your budget month after month as the solar sign lighting ROI has got you covered.

3. Low Maintenance, Long Lifespan

Solar lights function independently hence you never have to worry about constant check ins or maintenance issues unlike traditional lighting. Just install them and let them work their magic. They come with LEDs lasting up to 50,000 hours and solar panels good for 15 to 20 years. They’ll only require occasional cleaning, and the batteries might need replacing every 5-7 years, but that's about it. Compare this off grid sign economics to electric systems where you’re always dealing with wires, bulbs, and repairs.

With solar, you’ll spend a lot less time on maintenance and a lot more time seeing those savings roll in.

4. Great Tax Benefits

You’re not just saving on installation and energy costs, you could also be saving on taxes. As renewable energy equipment, solar systems qualify for:

  • Federal and state tax credits

  • Accelerated depreciation (you can write off the cost faster)

  • Local grants for green initiatives

These financial incentives can help offset some of the initial cost of your solar sign system.

5. Fast Return on Investment

The business case for solar lights is that these lights pay for themselves in just 3-5 years. After that, you’re looking at 10-15 years of free lighting. So when you compare cost solar vs electric signage, the savings add up pretty quickly.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar sign lighting cheaper than traditional electric lighting?
Yes. While the upfront cost may be similar, the key difference is that solar lights eliminate monthly power bills, making them far cheaper in the long run.

How quickly will I get a return on my investment?
Typically, businesses see ROI in 3–5 years depending on how much they’re able to save on installation and energy costs.

Can solar work for large signs, like billboards?
Absolutely. High-powered solar LED floods can light up a billboard just as well as traditional electric systems.

What about cloudy weather?
Solar systems come with enough battery backup to run for 2-3 days without sunlight, so your sign stays illuminated even during cloudy weather.

Are solar lights tax-deductible?
Yes, they qualify for renewable energy credits and accelerated depreciation, which can help reduce your tax burden.

 

 

Here’s How Solar Worked for a Billboard in Texas

Let’s take a look at a real-life example. A marketing firm wanted to light a billboard along a rural highway near Dallas, Texas. They had two options:

  • Electric option: $12,000 for trenching and installation, plus $600/year for electricity.

  • Solar option: Installed for $6,500 with no ongoing costs.

Once they decided to compare cost solar vs electric, the solution was obvious, solar lighting. They paid off the solar system in less than 4 years and are now expecting to save more than $15,000 over the next 15 years.

Extended FAQs

Why is solar sign lighting such a great deal?
Solar sign lighting saves you money by cutting out expensive hookup fees and monthly electricity bills, giving you a quick return on your investment.

Will solar lighting keep my commercial sign lit all year long?
Yep! As long as the system is properly sized, it’ll keep your sign glowing from dusk till dawn, no matter the season.

Do I need permits to install solar sign lighting?
In most cases, you’ll need fewer permits because there's no digging or electrical wiring involved. It's a much easier process!

How long does it take to set up solar sign lighting?
The installation is quick, usually just 1 to 2 days to get everything up and running.

How long will a solar sign lighting system last?
The solar panels will keep going for 15 to 20 years, the LEDs last for over 50,000 hours, and the batteries will need replacing every 5 to 7 years.

How much maintenance does solar sign lighting need?
It’s pretty low-maintenance! You’ll just need to clean the panels now and then and swap out the batteries when needed.

How do solar systems handle cloudy weather?
No worries. solar systems store enough energy in the batteries to keep your sign on for days, even if the weather is gloomy.

Are solar sign lights safe from vandalism?
Yes, many systems come with tamper-proof enclosures and rugged fixtures designed to keep things secure.

Can solar sign lighting help me meet sustainability goals?
For sure! Many businesses use solar lighting to show off their eco-friendly side and support their green initiatives.

Can I expand my solar sign lighting system if I need to?
Absolutely! Whether you're lighting up a small monument or a massive billboard, solar lighting is flexible and can grow with your needs.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you want to start saving on lighting costs, it’s time to think about solar sign lighting ROI. Not only will you eliminate high installation fees and energy costs, but you’ll also get peace of mind knowing you’re doing your part for the environment.

At Beyond Solar, we’ve got everything you need to make the switch:

  • Solar Sign Lighting Kits for billboards and monument signs

  • Capella Flood & Wall Packs for bright, durable lighting

  • Solar Power Banks to ensure your sign stays lit even during cloudy days

  • Plantation Solar Post-Tops for stylish, solar-powered entryway lighting

Going solar is a smart business move. It’ll save you money in the long run, help you stand out as an eco-conscious brand, and, best of all, give you a reliable and affordable way to keep your business visible.

If you’re ready to see how much you could save, reach out to us here. Where to Buy • Get a Quote • Contact Us.

Back to blog