Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton, IL (2023 Update)
- Benton Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $10,528
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton
We break down average solar pricing in Benton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Benton generally cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Benton, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,078, or $17,272 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Benton for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Benton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,928 |
| 3 years | $-8,615 |
| 5 years | $-6,303 |
| 7 years | $-3,990 |
| 9 years | $-1,678 |
| 11 years | $634 |
| 13 years | $2,947 |
| 15 years | $5,259 |
| 17 years | $7,571 |
| 19 years | $9,884 |
| 21 years | $12,196 |
| 23 years | $14,508 |
| 25 years | $16,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make converting 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.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Benton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Benton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Benton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Benton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,531 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,014 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,649 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,438 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,379 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,473 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,721 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $37,121 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Benton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Benton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benton?
The average cost of solar panels in Benton is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $715.19 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.