Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cunningham, IL (2024 Update)
- Cunningham Solar Installation Cost: $16,614
- 25-Year Savings: $11,036
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cunningham
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cunningham.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cunningham, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cunningham is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,614 for a solar installation, or $23,758 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cunningham find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cunningham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,763 |
| 3 years | $-14,062 |
| 5 years | $-12,361 |
| 7 years | $-10,659 |
| 9 years | $-8,958 |
| 11 years | $-7,257 |
| 13 years | $-5,556 |
| 15 years | $-3,854 |
| 17 years | $-2,153 |
| 19 years | $-452 |
| 21 years | $1,250 |
| 23 years | $2,951 |
| 25 years | $4,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Cunningham
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Cunningham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cunningham
Though the average cost of a solar system in Cunningham is $16,614, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt in Cunningham.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cunningham, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Cunningham, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $5,532 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,797 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,272 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,958 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,855 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,962 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,280 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,809 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Cunningham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Cunningham, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cunningham?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cunningham?
Solar panels aren’t free in Cunningham, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Cunningham?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.