Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carterville, IL (2024 Update)
- Carterville Solar Installation Cost: $15,943
- 25-Year Savings: $12,243
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carterville
We go over average solar pricing in Carterville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carterville typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $15,943 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Carterville based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,092 |
| 3 years | $-13,391 |
| 5 years | $-11,689 |
| 7 years | $-9,988 |
| 9 years | $-8,287 |
| 11 years | $-6,586 |
| 13 years | $-4,884 |
| 15 years | $-3,183 |
| 17 years | $-1,482 |
| 19 years | $220 |
| 21 years | $1,921 |
| 23 years | $3,622 |
| 25 years | $5,323 |
Top Solar Installers in Carterville
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Carterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carterville
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Carterville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Carterville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Carterville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,170 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,981 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,002 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,234 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $19,677 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $23,330 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $27,194 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $31,268 | 15.1 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Carterville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carterville?
The average cost of solar panels in Carterville is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carterville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
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 power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Carterville?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.
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.