Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, IN (2024 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $25,118
- 25-Year Savings: $22,095
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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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 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Clinton is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $25,118 for a solar installation, or $35,919 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,792 |
| 3 years | $-21,141 |
| 5 years | $-18,490 |
| 7 years | $-15,838 |
| 9 years | $-13,187 |
| 11 years | $-10,536 |
| 13 years | $-7,885 |
| 15 years | $-5,234 |
| 17 years | $-2,582 |
| 19 years | $69 |
| 21 years | $2,720 |
| 23 years | $5,371 |
| 25 years | $8,022 |
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 pain. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Clinton:
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 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
There are many 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 installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,100. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clinton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that offers 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $8,495 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $11,786 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $15,306 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $19,056 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $23,036 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $27,245 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $31,684 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $36,352 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clinton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clinton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clinton?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.