Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centralia, IL (2023 Update)
- Centralia Solar Installation Cost: $11,772
- 25-Year Savings: $14,005
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centralia
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Centralia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Centralia, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $11,772 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Centralia homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Centralia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centralia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,741 |
| 3 years | $-8,678 |
| 5 years | $-6,616 |
| 7 years | $-4,554 |
| 9 years | $-2,492 |
| 11 years | $-430 |
| 13 years | $1,632 |
| 15 years | $3,695 |
| 17 years | $5,757 |
| 19 years | $7,819 |
| 21 years | $9,881 |
| 23 years | $11,943 |
| 25 years | $14,005 |
Top Solar Installers in Centralia
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Centralia, we've compiled 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
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 Centralia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centralia
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Centralia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Centralia. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Centralia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Centralia to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $13,195 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,900 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $22,757 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $27,767 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $32,930 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $38,246 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $43,714 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $49,336 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
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 Centralia, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centralia?
The average cost of solar panels in Centralia 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Centralia?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Centralia is currently $74,280, which means you can expect a value of about $3,045 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Centralia is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.
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.