Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blackberry, IL (2024 Update)
- Blackberry Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
- 25-Year Savings: $14,373
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blackberry
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Blackberry.
In Blackberry, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Blackberry homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,188 with the federal tax credit, or $24,579 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Blackberry, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blackberry
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,032 |
| 3 years | $-13,719 |
| 5 years | $-11,407 |
| 7 years | $-9,094 |
| 9 years | $-6,782 |
| 11 years | $-4,470 |
| 13 years | $-2,157 |
| 15 years | $155 |
| 17 years | $2,467 |
| 19 years | $4,780 |
| 21 years | $7,092 |
| 23 years | $9,404 |
| 25 years | $11,717 |
Top Solar Installers in Blackberry
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Blackberry, therefore optimizing your ROI.
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 in Blackberry:
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 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 depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Blackberry average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Blackberry’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,248 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $11,418 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $14,799 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $18,391 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $22,193 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $26,206 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $30,429 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $34,863 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Blackberry, 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: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from past customers.
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 Blackberry, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blackberry?
The average cost of solar panels in Blackberry 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Blackberry?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Blackberry?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.