Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beardstown, IL (2024 Update)
- Beardstown Solar Installation Cost: $16,530
- 25-Year Savings: $19,013
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beardstown
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Beardstown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Beardstown, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $16,530 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Beardstown depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Beardstown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Beardstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,679 |
| 3 years | $-13,978 |
| 5 years | $-12,277 |
| 7 years | $-10,576 |
| 9 years | $-8,874 |
| 11 years | $-7,173 |
| 13 years | $-5,472 |
| 15 years | $-3,770 |
| 17 years | $-2,069 |
| 19 years | $-368 |
| 21 years | $1,333 |
| 23 years | $3,035 |
| 25 years | $4,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Beardstown
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Beardstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beardstown
For many Beardstown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Beardstown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need 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.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Beardstown, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Beardstown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $13,206 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $18,030 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $23,064 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $28,308 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $33,763 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $39,428 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $45,304 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $51,391 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Beardstown, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beardstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Beardstown 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Beardstown?
Solar panels aren’t free in Beardstown, 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Beardstown?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.