Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Russell, IL (2023 Update)
- Fort Russell Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $10,933
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Russell
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Russell.
In Fort Russell, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Fort Russell homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,695 with the federal tax credit, or $16,724 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Fort Russell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Russell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,790 |
| 3 years | $-8,980 |
| 5 years | $-7,170 |
| 7 years | $-5,359 |
| 9 years | $-3,549 |
| 11 years | $-1,739 |
| 13 years | $72 |
| 15 years | $1,882 |
| 17 years | $3,692 |
| 19 years | $5,503 |
| 21 years | $7,313 |
| 23 years | $9,123 |
| 25 years | $10,933 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Russell
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Fort Russell:
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 Fort Russell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Russell
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Fort Russell: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Russell to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially 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 overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,270 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,998 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,880 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,915 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $26,103 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $30,443 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,936 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $39,583 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Fort Russell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high 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.
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 Fort Russell, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Russell?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Russell?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fort Russell. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fort Russell?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Russell?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.