Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clemson, SC (2025 Update)
- Clemson Solar Installation Cost: $19,478
- 25-Year Savings: $28,978
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clemson
We go over average solar pricing in Clemson.
The average cost of a solar system in Clemson is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Clemson is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,478 for a solar installation, or $27,854 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clemson can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clemson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,993 |
| 3 years | $-15,022 |
| 5 years | $-12,052 |
| 7 years | $-9,081 |
| 9 years | $-6,111 |
| 11 years | $-3,140 |
| 13 years | $-170 |
| 15 years | $2,801 |
| 17 years | $5,771 |
| 19 years | $8,742 |
| 21 years | $11,712 |
| 23 years | $14,683 |
| 25 years | $17,654 |
Top Solar Installers in Clemson
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Clemson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clemson
Although the average cost of a solar system in Clemson is $19,478, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 greater efficiency or power production need 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 $3,450.The brand and type 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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Clemson have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Clemson homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Clemson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $17,911 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $24,268 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $30,818 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $37,561 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $44,497 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $51,627 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $58,950 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $66,466 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
EcoWatch's Clemson, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clemson?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clemson?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clemson. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Does Clemson have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.