Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview Heights, IL (2023 Update)
- Fairview Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,619
- 25-Year Savings: $9,899
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Fairview Heights.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairview Heights generally cost around 2.73. The average Fairview Heights homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,619 with the federal tax credit, or $16,615 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fairview Heights can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Fairview Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairview Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,758 |
| 3 years | $-9,037 |
| 5 years | $-7,315 |
| 7 years | $-5,594 |
| 9 years | $-3,872 |
| 11 years | $-2,151 |
| 13 years | $-430 |
| 15 years | $1,292 |
| 17 years | $3,013 |
| 19 years | $4,735 |
| 21 years | $6,456 |
| 23 years | $8,177 |
| 25 years | $9,899 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview Heights
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Fairview Heights:
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 Fairview Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview Heights
While the average cost of a solar system in Fairview Heights is $11,619, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fairview Heights to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fairview Heights, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $9,314 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,724 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,287 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,003 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,872 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,894 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,069 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,396 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Fairview Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Fairview Heights, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairview Heights 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairview Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $707.94 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.