Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarksville, IN (2024 Update)
- Clarksville Solar Installation Cost: $24,797
- 25-Year Savings: $8,343
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarksville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clarksville.
In Clarksville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Clarksville homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,797 with the federal tax credit, or $35,460 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Clarksville homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarksville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,471 |
| 3 years | $-20,820 |
| 5 years | $-18,169 |
| 7 years | $-15,518 |
| 9 years | $-12,867 |
| 11 years | $-10,215 |
| 13 years | $-7,564 |
| 15 years | $-4,913 |
| 17 years | $-2,262 |
| 19 years | $390 |
| 21 years | $3,041 |
| 23 years | $5,692 |
| 25 years | $8,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarksville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Clarksville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarksville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Clarksville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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 $4,100.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clarksville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clarksville 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Clarksville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.26 | $17,909 | $9,866 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $13,614 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $17,591 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $21,798 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $26,235 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $30,901 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $35,797 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $40,923 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Clarksville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarksville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clarksville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Clarksville have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.