Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, IL (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
- 25-Year Savings: $12,950
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Auburn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Auburn it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Auburn, the average price of going solar will be about $16,461 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Auburn for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,610 |
| 3 years | $-13,909 |
| 5 years | $-12,208 |
| 7 years | $-10,506 |
| 9 years | $-8,805 |
| 11 years | $-7,104 |
| 13 years | $-5,402 |
| 15 years | $-3,701 |
| 17 years | $-2,000 |
| 19 years | $-299 |
| 21 years | $1,403 |
| 23 years | $3,104 |
| 25 years | $4,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Auburn:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
For many Auburn homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Auburn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production 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 $3,760.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Auburn average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Auburn homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $7,466 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,376 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,497 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,828 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $20,369 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $24,121 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $28,084 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $32,257 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Auburn, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Auburn?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 long do solar panels last in Auburn?
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 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.