Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clinton, SC (2024 Update)

  • Clinton Solar Installation Cost: $19,290
  • 25-Year Savings: $32,056
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Clinton

We break down average solar pricing in Clinton.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clinton, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Clinton homeowner needs a 8.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,290 with the federal tax credit, or $27,585 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clinton can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Clinton, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Clinton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,805
3 years $-14,835
5 years $-11,864
7 years $-8,894
9 years $-5,923
11 years $-2,953
13 years $18
15 years $2,989
17 years $5,959
19 years $8,930
21 years $11,900
23 years $14,871
25 years $17,841

Top Solar Installers in Clinton

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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

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

Although the average cost of a solar system in Clinton is $19,290, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,450.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clinton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Clinton is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Clinton know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $20,433 10.6 years
8 kW $3.52 $19,706 $27,630 10.4 years
10 kW $3.45 $24,150 $35,021 10.2 years
12 kW $3.38 $28,400 $42,605 10.0 years
14 kW $3.31 $32,458 $50,382 9.8 years
16 kW $3.24 $36,322 $58,352 9.6 years
18 kW $3.17 $39,992 $66,515 9.4 years
20 kW $3.11 $43,470 $74,872 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Clinton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

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?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

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

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 maximize your savings.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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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