Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clemson, SC (2023 Update)
- Clemson Solar Installation Cost: $15,357
- 25-Year Savings: $28,978
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clemson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clemson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clemson it's 2.72 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Clemson is around 8.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,365 for a solar installation, or $21,972 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Clemson can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Clemson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clemson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,871 |
| 3 years | $-10,901 |
| 5 years | $-7,930 |
| 7 years | $-4,960 |
| 9 years | $-1,989 |
| 11 years | $981 |
| 13 years | $3,952 |
| 15 years | $6,922 |
| 17 years | $9,893 |
| 19 years | $12,863 |
| 21 years | $15,834 |
| 23 years | $18,804 |
| 25 years | $21,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Clemson
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Clemson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clemson
There are a number of factors that can affect your total 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use 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 $2,720. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Clemson, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 Clemson to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clemson homeowners, they can also add to 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 solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.83 | $11,881 | $21,100 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $28,438 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $35,928 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $43,570 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $51,365 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $59,312 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $67,412 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $75,664 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Clemson, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clemson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clemson?
A solar panel system isn't free in Clemson, 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 further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,099.36 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Clemson?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.