Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, SC (2023 Update)

  • Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $15,213
  • 25-Year Savings: $32,052
  • Payback Period: 8.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 typical cost of solar panels is 2.72 per watt. The average Clinton homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,213 with the federal tax credit, or $21,755 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clinton 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. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Clinton for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Clinton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,322
3 years $-9,541
5 years $-5,760
7 years $-1,979
9 years $1,802
11 years $5,583
13 years $9,365
15 years $13,146
17 years $16,927
19 years $20,708
21 years $24,489
23 years $28,270
25 years $32,052

Top Solar Installers in Clinton

Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Clinton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Clinton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Clinton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better 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 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 $2.83 $11,881 $23,622 8.4 years
8 kW $2.77 $15,537 $31,800 8.2 years
10 kW $2.72 $19,040 $40,131 8.0 years
12 kW $2.67 $22,391 $48,614 7.9 years
14 kW $2.61 $25,590 $57,249 7.7 years
16 kW $2.56 $28,636 $66,037 7.6 years
18 kW $2.50 $31,530 $74,977 7.4 years
20 kW $2.45 $34,272 $84,070 7.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • 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 EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Regional Installer

Renu Energy Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Excellent reputation
  • Many financing options
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Clinton, SC Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clinton?

The average cost of solar panels in Clinton is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Clinton?

Solar panels aren't free in Clinton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Clinton have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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