Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton, IL (2024 Update)
- Benton Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
- 25-Year Savings: $12,262
- Payback Period: 18.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Benton.
The average cost of solar panels in Benton is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Benton is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,643 for a solar installation, or $23,799 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Benton homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,487 |
| 3 years | $-13,174 |
| 5 years | $-10,862 |
| 7 years | $-8,550 |
| 9 years | $-6,237 |
| 11 years | $-3,925 |
| 13 years | $-1,612 |
| 15 years | $700 |
| 17 years | $3,012 |
| 19 years | $5,325 |
| 21 years | $7,637 |
| 23 years | $9,949 |
| 25 years | $12,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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
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 Benton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton
The cost of installing a solar system in Benton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Benton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Benton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Benton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
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 panel companies operating in Benton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $5,032 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,130 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,439 | 18.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,959 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,689 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,630 | 17.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,781 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,143 | 16.6 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Benton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benton?
The average cost of solar panels in Benton is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Benton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Benton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.