Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clintonia, IL (2023 Update)

  • Clintonia Solar Installation Cost: $12,074
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,894
  • Payback Period: 12.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clintonia

We break down average solar pricing in Clintonia.

The average cost of solar panels in Clintonia is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Clintonia, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,078, or $17,272 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Clintonia can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Clintonia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,223
3 years $-9,522
5 years $-7,821
7 years $-6,119
9 years $-4,418
11 years $-2,717
13 years $-1,015
15 years $686
17 years $2,387
19 years $4,088
21 years $5,790
23 years $7,491
25 years $9,192

Top Solar Installers in Clintonia

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Clintonia, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Clintonia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clintonia

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Clintonia: 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Clintonia. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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

Most solar installers in Clintonia offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Clintonia homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Clintonia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 $2.84 $11,925 $10,837 13.1 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $14,755 12.8 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $18,825 12.6 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $23,049 12.3 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $27,426 12.1 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $31,955 11.8 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $36,638 11.6 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $41,473 11.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Clintonia, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clintonia?

The average cost of solar panels in Clintonia is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Clintonia?

You can't get solar panels for free in Clintonia. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt 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 a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Clintonia?

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 larger level 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.

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