Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clearwater, FL (2024 Update)
- Clearwater Solar Installation Cost: $11,854
- 25-Year Savings: $25,783
- Payback Period: 8.4 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 Clearwater
We go over average solar pricing in Clearwater.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clearwater it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Clearwater, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,854, or $16,951 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clearwater homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Clearwater homeowner can save about $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Clearwater for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clearwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,079 |
| 3 years | $-6,529 |
| 5 years | $-2,980 |
| 7 years | $570 |
| 9 years | $4,119 |
| 11 years | $7,669 |
| 13 years | $11,218 |
| 15 years | $14,768 |
| 17 years | $18,318 |
| 19 years | $21,867 |
| 21 years | $25,417 |
| 23 years | $28,966 |
| 25 years | $32,516 |
Top Solar Installers in Clearwater
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Clearwater, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Clearwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearwater
For many Clearwater homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clearwater, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Clearwater, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Clearwater homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Clearwater, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $25,929 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $34,932 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $44,114 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $53,476 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $63,018 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $72,740 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $82,641 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $92,722 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Clearwater, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clearwater?
The average cost of solar panels in Clearwater is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clearwater?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clearwater. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is it worth going solar in Clearwater?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Clearwater?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.