Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, NC (2023 Update)
- Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $12,294
- 25-Year Savings: $21,839
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clinton
We go over average solar pricing in Clinton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clinton, the average cost of a solar system is 2.54 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Clinton is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,286 for a solar installation, or $17,569 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clinton can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Clinton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clinton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,823 |
| 3 years | $-7,881 |
| 5 years | $-4,938 |
| 7 years | $-1,996 |
| 9 years | $946 |
| 11 years | $3,888 |
| 13 years | $6,830 |
| 15 years | $9,773 |
| 17 years | $12,715 |
| 19 years | $15,657 |
| 21 years | $18,599 |
| 23 years | $21,541 |
| 25 years | $24,484 |
Top Solar Installers in Clinton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Clinton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Clinton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clinton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Clinton is $12,286, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 $2,540. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Clinton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $18,524 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $24,983 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $31,584 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $38,327 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $45,213 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $52,241 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $59,411 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $66,724 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Clinton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Clinton, NC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clinton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind 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 option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home 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% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.