Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clover, SC (Mar 2023)

  • Clover Solar Installation Cost: $15,422
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,918
  • Payback Period: 9.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Clover

We go over average solar pricing in Clover.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clover, the average cost of solar panels is 2.72 per watt. The average Clover homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,422 with the federal tax credit, or $22,053 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Clover homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Clover that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Clover

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,849
3 years $-10,702
5 years $-7,554
7 years $-4,407
9 years $-1,260
11 years $1,887
13 years $5,035
15 years $8,182
17 years $11,329
19 years $14,476
21 years $17,623
23 years $20,771
25 years $23,918

Top Solar Installers in Clover

When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 (coming 2022)

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 Clover

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clover

For many Clover homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clover, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Clover, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,720 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clover, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Clover 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 select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 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 $2.83 $11,881 $17,247 10.2 years
8 kW $2.77 $15,537 $23,301 10.0 years
10 kW $2.72 $19,040 $29,507 9.8 years
12 kW $2.67 $22,391 $35,865 9.6 years
14 kW $2.61 $25,590 $42,376 9.4 years
16 kW $2.56 $28,636 $49,039 9.2 years
18 kW $2.50 $31,530 $55,854 9.0 years
20 kW $2.45 $34,272 $62,822 8.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.

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 (coming 2022)

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 Clover, SC Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Clover is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clover?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.

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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