Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freeburg, IL (2023 Update)
- Freeburg Solar Installation Cost: $11,619
- 25-Year Savings: $14,086
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Freeburg
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Freeburg.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Freeburg is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Freeburg, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,619, or $16,615 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Freeburg homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Freeburg homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Freeburg for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Freeburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,591 |
| 3 years | $-8,534 |
| 5 years | $-6,478 |
| 7 years | $-4,422 |
| 9 years | $-2,365 |
| 11 years | $-309 |
| 13 years | $1,747 |
| 15 years | $3,804 |
| 17 years | $5,860 |
| 19 years | $7,917 |
| 21 years | $9,973 |
| 23 years | $12,029 |
| 25 years | $14,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Freeburg
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
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 Freeburg:
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 Freeburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freeburg
For many Freeburg homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Freeburg, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Freeburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Freeburg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Freeburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Freeburg is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Freeburg know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $13,446 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,234 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $23,175 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $28,268 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $33,515 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $38,914 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $44,466 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $50,171 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Freeburg, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Freeburg?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Freeburg?
A solar panel system isn't free in Freeburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly 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% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Freeburg?
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 larger level 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.