Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, IL (2024 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
- 25-Year Savings: $10,680
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bristol.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bristol is 4 per watt.The average Bristol homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,056 with the federal tax credit, or $24,390 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Bristol for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,900 |
| 3 years | $-13,587 |
| 5 years | $-11,275 |
| 7 years | $-8,963 |
| 9 years | $-6,650 |
| 11 years | $-4,338 |
| 13 years | $-2,025 |
| 15 years | $287 |
| 17 years | $2,599 |
| 19 years | $4,912 |
| 21 years | $7,224 |
| 23 years | $9,536 |
| 25 years | $11,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
For many Bristol homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bristol, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bristol, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Bristol, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,931 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,996 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,271 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,757 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,453 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,360 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,478 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,806 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Bristol, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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
EcoWatch's Bristol, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bristol?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bristol?
Solar panels aren’t free in Bristol, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Bristol have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.