Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blackberry, IL (2023 Update)

  • Blackberry Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,373
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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 Blackberry

We break down average solar pricing in Blackberry.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Blackberry, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Blackberry homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,479 with the federal tax credit, or $17,845 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Blackberry homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Blackberry

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,390
3 years $-12,211
5 years $-12,032
7 years $-11,853
9 years $-11,674
11 years $-11,495
13 years $-11,316
15 years $-11,137
17 years $-10,958
19 years $-10,779
21 years $-10,600
23 years $-10,421
25 years $-10,242

Top Solar Installers in Blackberry

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 switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

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

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Blackberry

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blackberry

The cost of installing a solar system in Blackberry can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Blackberry, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Blackberry's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 $2.84 $11,925 $12,747 12.1 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $17,302 11.9 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $22,009 11.6 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $26,870 11.4 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $31,883 11.2 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $37,050 10.9 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $42,369 10.7 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $47,841 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: An important thing 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 how long the project will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

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

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Blackberry, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Blackberry is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Blackberry?

You can't get solar panels for free in Blackberry. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Blackberry?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get 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 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 install 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.

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