Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlyle, IL (2023 Update)
- Carlyle Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $15,868
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlyle
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Carlyle.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Carlyle is 2.73 per watt. The average Carlyle homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,695 with the federal tax credit, or $16,724 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Carlyle depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Carlyle can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carlyle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,593 |
| 3 years | $-8,388 |
| 5 years | $-6,183 |
| 7 years | $-3,978 |
| 9 years | $-1,773 |
| 11 years | $432 |
| 13 years | $2,637 |
| 15 years | $4,842 |
| 17 years | $7,048 |
| 19 years | $9,253 |
| 21 years | $11,458 |
| 23 years | $13,663 |
| 25 years | $15,868 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlyle
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Carlyle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlyle
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Carlyle, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Carlyle, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Carlyle, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $15,090 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $20,426 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $25,915 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $31,556 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $37,351 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $43,298 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $49,398 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $55,651 | 9.5 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Carlyle, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carlyle?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carlyle?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of 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?
Although 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 after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.
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.