Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carbondale, IL (2025 Update)
- Carbondale Solar Installation Cost: $15,971
- 25-Year Savings: $13,352
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carbondale
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Carbondale.
In Carbondale, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Carbondale, the average price of going solar will be about $15,971 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carbondale find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carbondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,121 |
| 3 years | $-13,420 |
| 5 years | $-11,718 |
| 7 years | $-10,017 |
| 9 years | $-8,316 |
| 11 years | $-6,614 |
| 13 years | $-4,913 |
| 15 years | $-3,212 |
| 17 years | $-1,511 |
| 19 years | $191 |
| 21 years | $1,892 |
| 23 years | $3,593 |
| 25 years | $5,295 |
Top Solar Installers in Carbondale
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Carbondale, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Carbondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carbondale
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 Carbondale: 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 panel system you need for your home, 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 about $3,760. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carbondale to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Carbondale have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $8,244 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $11,413 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $14,793 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $18,383 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $22,184 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $26,195 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $30,417 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $34,850 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Carbondale, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carbondale?
The average cost of solar panels in Carbondale is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carbondale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Carbondale. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Carbondale?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.