Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, IA (2024 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $27,196
- 25-Year Savings: $27,646
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clinton.
In Clinton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Clinton homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $27,196 with the federal tax credit, or $38,890 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clinton find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Clinton for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,479 |
| 3 years | $-22,046 |
| 5 years | $-18,613 |
| 7 years | $-15,180 |
| 9 years | $-11,747 |
| 11 years | $-8,314 |
| 13 years | $-4,881 |
| 15 years | $-1,448 |
| 17 years | $1,985 |
| 19 years | $5,418 |
| 21 years | $8,851 |
| 23 years | $12,284 |
| 25 years | $15,717 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Clinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clinton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Clinton is $27,196, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need 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 $4,010.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Clinton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $11,239 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $15,434 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $19,854 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $24,499 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $29,368 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $34,461 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $39,779 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $45,322 | 13.2 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Clinton, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $958.48 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 opt to 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.
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.