Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clintonia, IL (2024 Update)
- Clintonia Solar Installation Cost: $16,629
- 25-Year Savings: $11,894
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clintonia
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Clintonia.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clintonia generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Clintonia is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,629 for a solar installation, or $23,779 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clintonia find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clintonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,778 |
| 3 years | $-14,077 |
| 5 years | $-12,376 |
| 7 years | $-10,675 |
| 9 years | $-8,973 |
| 11 years | $-7,272 |
| 13 years | $-5,571 |
| 15 years | $-3,869 |
| 17 years | $-2,168 |
| 19 years | $-467 |
| 21 years | $1,234 |
| 23 years | $2,936 |
| 25 years | $4,637 |
Top Solar Installers in Clintonia
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Clintonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clintonia
The cost of installing a solar system in Clintonia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt in Clintonia.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Clintonia average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Clintonia provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clintonia, 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 high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 want and also is 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 | $6,338 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,871 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $11,615 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $14,570 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $17,736 | 16.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,111 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $24,698 | 16.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $28,495 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Well-established 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Clintonia, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clintonia?
The average cost of solar panels in Clintonia is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Clintonia have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.