Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carterville, IL (2023 Update)
- Carterville Solar Installation Cost: $11,575
- 25-Year Savings: $12,243
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carterville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carterville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Carterville, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Carterville, the average price of going solar will be about $11,581 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy 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 Carterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,725 |
| 3 years | $-9,023 |
| 5 years | $-7,322 |
| 7 years | $-5,621 |
| 9 years | $-3,920 |
| 11 years | $-2,218 |
| 13 years | $-517 |
| 15 years | $1,184 |
| 17 years | $2,886 |
| 19 years | $4,587 |
| 21 years | $6,288 |
| 23 years | $7,989 |
| 25 years | $9,691 |
Top Solar Installers in Carterville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Carterville, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Carterville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Carterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carterville
The cost of installing a solar system in Carterville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carterville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Carterville, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Carterville, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $11,669 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,864 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,212 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $24,713 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $29,367 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $34,174 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $39,134 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $44,246 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Carterville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carterville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carterville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Carterville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.