Solar Panel Cost Guide in Braceville, IL (2023 Update)
- Braceville Solar Installation Cost: $12,307
- 25-Year Savings: $10,305
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Braceville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Braceville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Braceville, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Braceville, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,307, or $17,599 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Braceville homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Braceville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Braceville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,402 |
| 3 years | $-9,593 |
| 5 years | $-7,784 |
| 7 years | $-5,976 |
| 9 years | $-4,167 |
| 11 years | $-2,358 |
| 13 years | $-549 |
| 15 years | $1,260 |
| 17 years | $3,069 |
| 19 years | $4,878 |
| 21 years | $6,687 |
| 23 years | $8,496 |
| 25 years | $10,305 |
Top Solar Installers in Braceville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Braceville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Braceville
Though the average cost of a solar system in Braceville is $12,307, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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 $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Braceville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Braceville have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Braceville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,158 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,516 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,027 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,691 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,508 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,478 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,601 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,877 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into 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 Braceville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Braceville?
The average cost of solar panels in Braceville 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Braceville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Braceville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.