Solar Panel Cost Guide in Galena, IL (2023 Update)
- Galena Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
- 25-Year Savings: $15,846
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Galena
See how much it might cost to go solar in Galena.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Galena it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Galena, the average price of going solar will be about $12,460 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Galena can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Galena
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,327 |
| 3 years | $-9,063 |
| 5 years | $-6,799 |
| 7 years | $-4,534 |
| 9 years | $-2,270 |
| 11 years | $-5 |
| 13 years | $2,259 |
| 15 years | $4,524 |
| 17 years | $6,788 |
| 19 years | $9,053 |
| 21 years | $11,317 |
| 23 years | $13,582 |
| 25 years | $15,846 |
Top Solar Installers in Galena
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Galena
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galena
While the average cost of a solar system in Galena is $12,460, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation 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 — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Galena, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Galena to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Galena 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Galena, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 extra 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 | $14,117 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $19,128 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $24,293 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $29,610 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $35,080 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $40,703 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $46,478 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $52,407 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Galena, 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 endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Galena, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Galena?
The average cost of solar panels in Galena 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Galena?
You can't get solar panels for free in Galena. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is it worth going solar in Galena?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 cover 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.