Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, IL (Mar 2023)
- Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $11,886
- 25-Year Savings: $12,993
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglas
We go over average solar pricing in Douglas.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Douglas, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $11,886 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Douglas homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,891 |
| 3 years | $-8,901 |
| 5 years | $-6,910 |
| 7 years | $-4,920 |
| 9 years | $-2,930 |
| 11 years | $-939 |
| 13 years | $1,051 |
| 15 years | $3,041 |
| 17 years | $5,032 |
| 19 years | $7,022 |
| 21 years | $9,013 |
| 23 years | $11,003 |
| 25 years | $12,993 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglas
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Douglas, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Douglas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglas
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 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 panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Douglas, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Douglas is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 car 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 | $12,071 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $16,400 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,883 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $25,518 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $30,306 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $35,247 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $40,341 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $45,588 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Douglas, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Douglas?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglas 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Douglas?
Solar panels aren't free in Douglas, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Douglas?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 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.