Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, IL (2023 Update)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $12,020
- 25-Year Savings: $14,891
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Decatur.
The average cost of a solar system in Decatur is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $12,020 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,944 |
| 3 years | $-8,791 |
| 5 years | $-6,638 |
| 7 years | $-4,485 |
| 9 years | $-2,332 |
| 11 years | $-179 |
| 13 years | $1,974 |
| 15 years | $4,127 |
| 17 years | $6,279 |
| 19 years | $8,432 |
| 21 years | $10,585 |
| 23 years | $12,738 |
| 25 years | $14,891 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
There are a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Decatur average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Decatur provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,730 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,612 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $23,648 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $28,836 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $34,177 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $39,671 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $45,318 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $51,117 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Decatur, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Decatur?
The average cost of solar panels in Decatur 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Decatur?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.