Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethalto, IL (2023 Update)
- Bethalto Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $10,560
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethalto
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bethalto.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bethalto it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bethalto is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,695 for a solar installation, or $16,724 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Bethalto can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Bethalto, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethalto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,805 |
| 3 years | $-9,025 |
| 5 years | $-7,244 |
| 7 years | $-5,464 |
| 9 years | $-3,683 |
| 11 years | $-1,903 |
| 13 years | $-122 |
| 15 years | $1,658 |
| 17 years | $3,438 |
| 19 years | $5,219 |
| 21 years | $6,999 |
| 23 years | $8,780 |
| 25 years | $10,560 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethalto
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, 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. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels 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
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 Bethalto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethalto
The cost of installing a solar system in Bethalto can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Bethalto, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital 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 final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bethalto, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,904 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,511 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,270 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,183 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,249 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,467 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $33,839 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,363 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Bethalto, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Bethalto, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethalto?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bethalto?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bethalto?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.