Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, IL (2023 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
- 25-Year Savings: $11,894
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
We break down average solar pricing in Clinton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clinton it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $12,078 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clinton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Clinton homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Clinton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,223 |
| 3 years | $-9,522 |
| 5 years | $-7,821 |
| 7 years | $-6,119 |
| 9 years | $-4,418 |
| 11 years | $-2,717 |
| 13 years | $-1,015 |
| 15 years | $686 |
| 17 years | $2,387 |
| 19 years | $4,088 |
| 21 years | $5,790 |
| 23 years | $7,491 |
| 25 years | $9,192 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Clinton, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Clinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clinton
The cost of installing a solar system in Clinton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Clinton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Clinton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $10,837 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $14,755 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $18,825 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $23,049 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $27,426 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $31,955 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $36,638 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $41,473 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Clinton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clinton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clinton?
A solar panel system isn't free in Clinton, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Clinton have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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 long do solar panels last in Clinton?
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.