Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bloomington, IL (2025 Update)
- Bloomington Solar Installation Cost: $16,692
- 25-Year Savings: $11,096
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bloomington
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bloomington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bloomington it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bloomington, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,692, or $23,870 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bloomington can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bloomington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,842 |
| 3 years | $-14,140 |
| 5 years | $-12,439 |
| 7 years | $-10,738 |
| 9 years | $-9,036 |
| 11 years | $-7,335 |
| 13 years | $-5,634 |
| 15 years | $-3,933 |
| 17 years | $-2,231 |
| 19 years | $-530 |
| 21 years | $1,171 |
| 23 years | $2,873 |
| 25 years | $4,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Bloomington
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bloomington, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Bloomington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bloomington
For many Bloomington homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bloomington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in Bloomington.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bloomington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bloomington to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bloomington homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bloomington is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Bloomington know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $5,540 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,807 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,286 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,975 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,874 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,984 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,304 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,836 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
EcoWatch's Bloomington, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bloomington?
The average cost of solar panels in Bloomington is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Bloomington?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.