Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethalto, IL (2024 Update)
- Bethalto Solar Installation Cost: $16,101
- 25-Year Savings: $10,565
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethalto
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Bethalto.
In Bethalto, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bethalto, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,101, or $23,024 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Bethalto homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Bethalto, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethalto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,250 |
| 3 years | $-13,549 |
| 5 years | $-11,848 |
| 7 years | $-10,147 |
| 9 years | $-8,445 |
| 11 years | $-6,744 |
| 13 years | $-5,043 |
| 15 years | $-3,341 |
| 17 years | $-1,640 |
| 19 years | $61 |
| 21 years | $1,763 |
| 23 years | $3,464 |
| 25 years | $5,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethalto
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bethalto:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Bethalto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethalto
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,760. 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 often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Bethalto, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,405 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,627 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,060 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,704 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,558 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,623 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,899 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,385 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- 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 substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Bethalto, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethalto?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethalto 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bethalto?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bethalto. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Bethalto?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Bethalto?
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 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.