Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clear Lake, IL (2024 Update)
- Clear Lake Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
- 25-Year Savings: $14,298
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clear Lake
We go over average solar pricing in Clear Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clear Lake, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Clear Lake is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,461 for a solar installation, or $23,539 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clear Lake see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Clear Lake, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clear Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,610 |
| 3 years | $-13,909 |
| 5 years | $-12,208 |
| 7 years | $-10,506 |
| 9 years | $-8,805 |
| 11 years | $-7,104 |
| 13 years | $-5,402 |
| 15 years | $-3,701 |
| 17 years | $-2,000 |
| 19 years | $-299 |
| 21 years | $1,403 |
| 23 years | $3,104 |
| 25 years | $4,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Clear Lake
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Clear Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clear Lake
Though the average cost of a solar system in Clear Lake is $16,461, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Clear Lake, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $8,759 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,100 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,651 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $19,413 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $23,386 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $27,569 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $31,963 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $36,567 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Clear Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Clear Lake, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clear Lake?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Clear Lake, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.