Solar Panel Cost Guide in Drummer, IL (2023 Update)
- Drummer Solar Installation Cost: $12,192
- 25-Year Savings: $13,085
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Drummer
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Drummer.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Drummer it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Drummer, the average price of going solar will be about $12,192 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Drummer see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Drummer, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Drummer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,181 |
| 3 years | $-9,159 |
| 5 years | $-7,137 |
| 7 years | $-5,115 |
| 9 years | $-3,092 |
| 11 years | $-1,070 |
| 13 years | $952 |
| 15 years | $2,974 |
| 17 years | $4,996 |
| 19 years | $7,019 |
| 21 years | $9,041 |
| 23 years | $11,063 |
| 25 years | $13,085 |
Top Solar Installers in Drummer
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Drummer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Drummer
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Drummer: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $11,863 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $16,124 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,537 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $25,103 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $29,822 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $34,694 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $39,718 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $44,896 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Drummer, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Drummer, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Drummer?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Drummer?
Solar panels aren't free in Drummer, 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 you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Drummer?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.