Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ela, IL (2023 Update)

  • Ela Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,528
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Ela

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Ela.

The average cost of a solar system in Ela is 2.73 per watt. The average Ela homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,078 with the federal tax credit, or $17,272 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Ela can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Ela for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Ela

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,008
3 years $-11,858
5 years $-11,707
7 years $-11,556
9 years $-11,405
11 years $-11,255
13 years $-11,104
15 years $-10,953
17 years $-10,802
19 years $-10,652
21 years $-10,501
23 years $-10,350
25 years $-10,199

Top Solar Installers in Ela

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Ela

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ela

There are many factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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 brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ela, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ela to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ela homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. Ela's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.

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 $9,531 13.9 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $13,014 13.6 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $16,649 13.4 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $20,438 13.1 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $24,379 12.8 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $28,473 12.6 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $32,721 12.3 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $37,121 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Ela, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Ela, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Ela 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to think about 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 areas 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 Ela?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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