Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burton, IL (2023 Update)
- Burton Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
- 25-Year Savings: $10,152
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Burton.
In Burton, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Burton homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,460 with the federal tax credit, or $17,818 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Burton see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Burton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,555 |
| 3 years | $-9,746 |
| 5 years | $-7,937 |
| 7 years | $-6,128 |
| 9 years | $-4,319 |
| 11 years | $-2,511 |
| 13 years | $-702 |
| 15 years | $1,107 |
| 17 years | $2,916 |
| 19 years | $4,725 |
| 21 years | $6,534 |
| 23 years | $8,343 |
| 25 years | $10,152 |
Top Solar Installers in Burton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Burton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Burton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Burton. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Burton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Burton is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $8,875 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,138 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,555 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,125 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,848 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,723 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,751 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,933 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Burton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burton?
The average cost of solar panels in Burton is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Burton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.