Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, IN (2023 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $16,418
- 25-Year Savings: $22,095
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clinton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clinton it's 2.68 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Clinton is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,415 for a solar installation, or $23,473 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Clinton based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Clinton can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Clinton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,093 |
| 3 years | $-12,442 |
| 5 years | $-9,790 |
| 7 years | $-7,139 |
| 9 years | $-4,488 |
| 11 years | $-1,837 |
| 13 years | $815 |
| 15 years | $3,466 |
| 17 years | $6,117 |
| 19 years | $8,768 |
| 21 years | $11,419 |
| 23 years | $14,071 |
| 25 years | $16,722 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Clinton:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Clinton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Clinton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Clinton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $14,697 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $19,897 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $25,246 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $30,746 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $36,395 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $42,195 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $48,145 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $54,244 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clinton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Clinton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.