Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlinville, IL (Mar 2023)
- Carlinville Solar Installation Cost: $11,810
- 25-Year Savings: $16,151
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlinville
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Carlinville.
In Carlinville, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $11,810 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carlinville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,692 |
| 3 years | $-8,455 |
| 5 years | $-6,218 |
| 7 years | $-3,981 |
| 9 years | $-1,744 |
| 11 years | $493 |
| 13 years | $2,730 |
| 15 years | $4,966 |
| 17 years | $7,203 |
| 19 years | $9,440 |
| 21 years | $11,677 |
| 23 years | $13,914 |
| 25 years | $16,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlinville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Carlinville:
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 Carlinville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlinville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Carlinville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carlinville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Carlinville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $15,236 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $20,620 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $26,157 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $31,847 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $37,690 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $43,686 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $49,835 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $56,137 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Carlinville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carlinville?
The average cost of solar panels in Carlinville 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 things such as 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 Carlinville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Carlinville?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.