Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, MD (2024 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $11,584
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Clinton.
In Clinton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since 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 $13,517 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Clinton homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Clinton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,811 |
| 3 years | $-8,399 |
| 5 years | $-4,987 |
| 7 years | $-1,575 |
| 9 years | $1,837 |
| 11 years | $5,250 |
| 13 years | $8,662 |
| 15 years | $12,074 |
| 17 years | $15,486 |
| 19 years | $18,898 |
| 21 years | $22,310 |
| 23 years | $25,722 |
| 25 years | $29,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,540. 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 limited roof space 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clinton, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Clinton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.68 | $15,463 | $8,913 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $12,281 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $15,847 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $19,611 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $23,573 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $27,734 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $32,092 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $36,649 | 13.7 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.