Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belleville, IL (2024 Update)

  • Belleville Solar Installation Cost: $16,000
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,652
  • Payback Period: 16.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belleville

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Belleville.

The average cost of a solar system in Belleville is 4 per watt.The average Belleville homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,000 with the federal tax credit, or $22,880 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Belleville can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

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 Belleville

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,149
3 years$-13,448
5 years$-11,746
7 years$-10,045
9 years$-8,344
11 years$-6,643
13 years$-4,941
15 years$-3,240
17 years$-1,539
19 years$163
21 years$1,864
23 years$3,565
25 years$5,267

Top Solar Installers in Belleville

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Advertisement

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Belleville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belleville

For many Belleville homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Belleville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Belleville.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Belleville, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Belleville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$7,53017.1 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$10,46216.8 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$13,60316.5 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$16,95616.2 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$20,51915.8 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$24,29215.5 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$28,27615.2 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$32,47114.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Advertisement

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Belleville, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belleville?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Belleville?

Solar panels aren’t free in Belleville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Belleville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 long do solar panels last in Belleville?

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 higher 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.