Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ball, IL (2024 Update)
- Ball Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
- 25-Year Savings: $14,497
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ball
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ball.
In Ball, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Ball, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,461, or $23,539 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Ball depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Ball homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
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 Ball
| 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 Ball
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Ball
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ball
For many Ball homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ball, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,760. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ball average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Ball homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ball homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Ball, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more 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 down 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $8,950 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,354 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,969 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $19,795 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $23,831 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $28,078 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $32,535 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $37,203 | 14.0 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Ball, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ball?
The average cost of solar panels in Ball is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 goes down 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.