Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alton, IL (2023 Update)
- Alton Solar Installation Cost: $11,690
- 25-Year Savings: $13,045
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alton
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Alton.
The average cost of a solar system in Alton is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,695 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Alton can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Alton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,608 |
| 3 years | $-11,443 |
| 5 years | $-11,278 |
| 7 years | $-11,113 |
| 9 years | $-10,948 |
| 11 years | $-10,783 |
| 13 years | $-10,619 |
| 15 years | $-10,454 |
| 17 years | $-10,289 |
| 19 years | $-10,124 |
| 21 years | $-9,959 |
| 23 years | $-9,794 |
| 25 years | $-9,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Alton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Alton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alton
For many Alton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Alton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Alton, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel 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 can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater 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 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $12,336 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $16,754 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $21,325 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $26,048 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $30,924 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $35,954 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $41,136 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $46,471 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Alton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alton?
The average cost of solar panels in Alton is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Alton?
Solar panels aren't free in Alton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Alton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.