Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, IL (2023 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,753
- 25-Year Savings: $13,644
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fairfield.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Fairfield is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fairfield is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,753 for a solar installation, or $16,807 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fairfield can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,737 |
| 3 years | $-8,705 |
| 5 years | $-6,673 |
| 7 years | $-4,642 |
| 9 years | $-2,610 |
| 11 years | $-578 |
| 13 years | $1,454 |
| 15 years | $3,485 |
| 17 years | $5,517 |
| 19 years | $7,549 |
| 21 years | $9,581 |
| 23 years | $11,612 |
| 25 years | $13,644 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
For many Fairfield homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 nearly $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fairfield, 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 a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairfield is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $12,868 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,463 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $22,210 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $27,111 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $32,165 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $37,371 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $42,731 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $48,243 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Fairfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfield is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairfield?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
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.