Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, IL (Mar 2023)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $12,383
- 25-Year Savings: $10,680
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bristol.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bristol, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Bristol homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,383 with the federal tax credit, or $17,708 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bristol depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bristol find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Bristol for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,461 |
| 3 years | $-9,616 |
| 5 years | $-7,771 |
| 7 years | $-5,925 |
| 9 years | $-4,080 |
| 11 years | $-2,235 |
| 13 years | $-390 |
| 15 years | $1,455 |
| 17 years | $3,300 |
| 19 years | $5,145 |
| 21 years | $6,990 |
| 23 years | $8,835 |
| 25 years | $10,680 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Bristol: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 nearly $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bristol, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bristol 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bristol, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $9,430 | 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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Bristol, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bristol?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bristol?
Solar panels aren't free in Bristol, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bristol is currently $236,340, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,690 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bristol is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bristol?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.