Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bruce, IL (2023 Update)
- Bruce 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 Bruce
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Bruce.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bruce, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Bruce homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,307 with the federal tax credit, or $17,599 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Bruce homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bruce
| 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 Bruce
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Bruce:
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 Bruce
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bruce
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bruce: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bruce provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bruce homeowners, they can also add to 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
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bruce is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $9,157 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,515 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,026 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,690 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,507 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,476 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,599 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,874 | 12.2 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: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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.
- 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 hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Bruce, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bruce?
The average cost of solar panels in Bruce 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bruce?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.