Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, MD (2023 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $10,577
- 25-Year Savings: $11,584
- Payback Period: 11.9 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 installing solar panels is in Clinton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clinton generally cost about 2.77. Because a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Clinton, the average price of going solar will be about $10,568 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clinton can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Clinton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,503 |
| 3 years | $-10,355 |
| 5 years | $-10,208 |
| 7 years | $-10,060 |
| 9 years | $-9,912 |
| 11 years | $-9,764 |
| 13 years | $-9,617 |
| 15 years | $-9,469 |
| 17 years | $-9,321 |
| 19 years | $-9,173 |
| 21 years | $-9,026 |
| 23 years | $-8,878 |
| 25 years | $-8,730 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Clinton, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Clinton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise 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 better 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Clinton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Clinton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $12,277 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,679 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $21,237 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $25,949 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $30,817 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $35,840 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $41,018 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $46,351 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Clinton, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clinton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clinton is currently $300,149, which means you can expect a value of about $12,306 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clinton is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.