Solar Panel Cost Guide in Effingham, IL (2025 Update)
- Effingham Solar Installation Cost: $16,374
- 25-Year Savings: $12,991
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Effingham
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Effingham.
The average cost of solar panels in Effingham is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Effingham is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,374 for a solar installation, or $23,415 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Effingham depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Effingham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Effingham
| 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 Effingham
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Effingham:
See all of the solar companies in Effingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Effingham
There are a number of criteria 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. The type of 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Effingham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Effingham to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Effingham is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better 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 lower 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 | $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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
EcoWatch's Effingham, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Effingham?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Effingham?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Effingham. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 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.