Solar Panel Cost Guide in Galesburg, IL (2024 Update)
- Galesburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,791
- 25-Year Savings: $11,777
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Galesburg
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Galesburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Galesburg generally cost around 4.Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Galesburg, the average price of going solar will be about $16,791 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Galesburg depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Galesburg
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,940 |
3 years | $-14,239 |
5 years | $-12,538 |
7 years | $-10,837 |
9 years | $-9,135 |
11 years | $-7,434 |
13 years | $-5,733 |
15 years | $-4,031 |
17 years | $-2,330 |
19 years | $-629 |
21 years | $1,073 |
23 years | $2,774 |
25 years | $4,475 |
Top Solar Installers in Galesburg
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Galesburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galesburg
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Galesburg homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Galesburg is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
---|---|---|---|---|
6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $6,118 | 18.2 years |
8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,578 | 17.9 years |
10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $11,250 | 17.5 years |
12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $14,131 | 17.2 years |
14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $17,223 | 16.8 years |
16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $20,526 | 16.5 years |
18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $24,039 | 16.1 years |
20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $27,763 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind 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 deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Galesburg, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Galesburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Galesburg is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Galesburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Galesburg. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Galesburg, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 get 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.