Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, IL (2023 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $12,384
- 25-Year Savings: $10,680
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bristol.
In Bristol, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bristol, the average price of going solar will be about $12,383 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bristol homeowner. 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. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bristol find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Bristol, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,307 |
| 3 years | $-12,153 |
| 5 years | $-11,999 |
| 7 years | $-11,845 |
| 9 years | $-11,692 |
| 11 years | $-11,538 |
| 13 years | $-11,384 |
| 15 years | $-11,230 |
| 17 years | $-11,077 |
| 19 years | $-10,923 |
| 21 years | $-10,769 |
| 23 years | $-10,615 |
| 25 years | $-10,462 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bristol:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 depends on 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 a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 around $2,730. 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 opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bristol average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bristol, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Bristol, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,430 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,879 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,481 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,236 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,144 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,204 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,418 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,784 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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 go with.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bristol, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bristol?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bristol?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bristol. 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bristol?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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 get 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.