Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clemson, SC (2024 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 Clemson homeowner needs a 8.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,478 with the federal tax credit, or $27,854 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Clemson homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Clemson, you can click the button below.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 criteria that can influence your solar panel 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 size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,450. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clemson, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $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 type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- 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 big role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clemson?
The average cost of solar panels in Clemson is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for 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?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.
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.