Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central, IL (2025 Update)
- Central Solar Installation Cost: $16,186
- 25-Year Savings: $16,254
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Central
We break down average solar pricing in Central.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Central it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Central, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,186, or $23,146 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Central depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Central for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Central
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,336 |
| 3 years | $-13,634 |
| 5 years | $-11,933 |
| 7 years | $-10,232 |
| 9 years | $-8,531 |
| 11 years | $-6,829 |
| 13 years | $-5,128 |
| 15 years | $-3,427 |
| 17 years | $-1,725 |
| 19 years | $-24 |
| 21 years | $1,677 |
| 23 years | $3,379 |
| 25 years | $5,080 |
Top Solar Installers in Central
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Central
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Central: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Central, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Central homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Central homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Central’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $10,900 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $14,954 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $19,219 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $23,695 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $28,381 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $33,277 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $38,385 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $43,702 | 13.0 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. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Central, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Central?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Central?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.