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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clearwater
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Clearwater.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clearwater typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Clearwater is around 7.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,042 for a solar installation, or $27,230 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $24,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clearwater find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Clearwater:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Clearwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clearwater
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,450.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Clearwater, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clearwater to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Clearwater homeowners, they can also increase 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
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Clearwater, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Clearwater, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clearwater?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clearwater?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clearwater. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 larger level 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.