Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, IA (2023 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $18,789
- 25-Year Savings: $27,643
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Clinton.
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is 2.77 per watt. Since a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Clinton, the average price of going solar will be about $18,789 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Clinton depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clinton find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,932 |
| 3 years | $-13,217 |
| 5 years | $-9,503 |
| 7 years | $-5,788 |
| 9 years | $-2,074 |
| 11 years | $1,641 |
| 13 years | $5,355 |
| 15 years | $9,070 |
| 17 years | $12,785 |
| 19 years | $16,499 |
| 21 years | $20,214 |
| 23 years | $23,928 |
| 25 years | $27,643 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Clinton, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Clinton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover 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 most significant 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clinton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clinton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clinton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $16,655 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $22,517 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $28,534 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $34,706 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $41,033 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $47,516 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $54,153 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $60,946 | 9.1 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clinton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Clinton. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Clinton have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.