Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, IL (2024 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $16,629
- 25-Year Savings: $11,894
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Clinton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clinton, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Clinton homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,629 with the federal tax credit, or $23,779 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clinton see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Clinton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,778 |
| 3 years | $-14,077 |
| 5 years | $-12,376 |
| 7 years | $-10,675 |
| 9 years | $-8,973 |
| 11 years | $-7,272 |
| 13 years | $-5,571 |
| 15 years | $-3,869 |
| 17 years | $-2,168 |
| 19 years | $-467 |
| 21 years | $1,234 |
| 23 years | $2,936 |
| 25 years | $4,637 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Clinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clinton
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Clinton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Clinton provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clinton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Clinton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $6,338 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,871 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $11,615 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $14,570 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $17,736 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,111 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $24,698 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $28,495 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Clinton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type 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 deciding.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Clinton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clinton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clinton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clinton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Clinton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.