Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belleville, IL (2023 Update)
- Belleville Solar Installation Cost: $11,619
- 25-Year Savings: $12,650
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belleville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Belleville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Belleville, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Belleville homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,619 with the federal tax credit, or $16,615 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Belleville homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, 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 panel company in Belleville for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Belleville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,648 |
| 3 years | $-8,707 |
| 5 years | $-6,765 |
| 7 years | $-4,824 |
| 9 years | $-2,882 |
| 11 years | $-941 |
| 13 years | $1,001 |
| 15 years | $2,943 |
| 17 years | $4,884 |
| 19 years | $6,826 |
| 21 years | $8,767 |
| 23 years | $10,709 |
| 25 years | $12,650 |
Top Solar Installers in Belleville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Belleville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belleville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Belleville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Belleville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belleville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. 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 getting 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 renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Belleville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better 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 | $12,029 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $16,345 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,813 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $25,435 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $30,209 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $35,136 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $40,216 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $45,449 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Belleville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Belleville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Belleville?
The average cost of solar panels in Belleville is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Belleville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Belleville?
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 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.