Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, IL (2024 Update)

  • Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $16,374
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,991
  • Payback Period: 16.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Douglas

See how much it might cost to go solar in Douglas.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Douglas typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Douglas, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,374, or $23,415 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Douglas based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Douglas can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Douglas

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,523
3 years $-13,822
5 years $-12,120
7 years $-10,419
9 years $-8,718
11 years $-7,017
13 years $-5,315
15 years $-3,614
17 years $-1,913
19 years $-211
21 years $1,490
23 years $3,191
25 years $4,892

Top Solar Installers in Douglas

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Douglas, optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Douglas:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Douglas

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglas

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Douglas: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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 Douglas provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Douglas are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $7,572 17.1 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $10,517 16.8 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $13,673 16.5 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $17,039 16.1 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $20,616 15.8 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $24,403 15.5 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $28,401 15.1 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $32,610 14.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Douglas, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Douglas 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Douglas?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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