Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clearwater, SC (2024 Update)
- Clearwater Solar Installation Cost: $19,042
- 25-Year Savings: $31,922
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clearwater
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Clearwater.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clearwater it’s 3 per watt.The average Clearwater homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,042 with the federal tax credit, or $27,230 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clearwater homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clearwater see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clearwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,301 |
| 3 years | $-13,820 |
| 5 years | $-10,340 |
| 7 years | $-6,859 |
| 9 years | $-3,378 |
| 11 years | $103 |
| 13 years | $3,584 |
| 15 years | $7,064 |
| 17 years | $10,545 |
| 19 years | $14,026 |
| 21 years | $17,507 |
| 23 years | $20,988 |
| 25 years | $24,468 |
Top Solar Installers in Clearwater
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Clearwater, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Clearwater, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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 Clearwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearwater
The cost of installing a solar system in Clearwater can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,450 per kilowatt in Clearwater.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clearwater, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clearwater homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Clearwater’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more 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 promotion 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $20,645 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,913 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,375 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $43,029 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,877 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,918 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $67,152 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $75,580 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Clearwater, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clearwater?
The average cost of solar panels in Clearwater is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clearwater?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clearwater, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Clearwater?
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 higher 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.