Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carbondale, IL (2023 Update)
- Carbondale Solar Installation Cost: $11,596
- 25-Year Savings: $13,352
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carbondale
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Carbondale.
In Carbondale, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Carbondale is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,600 for a solar installation, or $16,588 before the 30% federal solar 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 consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carbondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,513 |
| 3 years | $-11,347 |
| 5 years | $-11,181 |
| 7 years | $-11,014 |
| 9 years | $-10,848 |
| 11 years | $-10,682 |
| 13 years | $-10,515 |
| 15 years | $-10,349 |
| 17 years | $-10,183 |
| 19 years | $-10,016 |
| 21 years | $-9,850 |
| 23 years | $-9,684 |
| 25 years | $-9,517 |
Top Solar Installers in Carbondale
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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
See all of the solar companies in Carbondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carbondale
For many Carbondale homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carbondale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Carbondale. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Carbondale, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $12,743 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,297 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $22,003 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $26,862 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $31,874 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $37,039 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $42,357 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $47,828 | 10.5 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: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Carbondale, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carbondale?
The average cost of solar panels in Carbondale 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 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 thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Carbondale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Carbondale?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.