Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardner, IL (2024 Update)
- Gardner Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
- 25-Year Savings: $15,946
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardner
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gardner.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gardner, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Gardner, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,461, or $23,539 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gardner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,610 |
| 3 years | $-13,909 |
| 5 years | $-12,208 |
| 7 years | $-10,506 |
| 9 years | $-8,805 |
| 11 years | $-7,104 |
| 13 years | $-5,402 |
| 15 years | $-3,701 |
| 17 years | $-2,000 |
| 19 years | $-299 |
| 21 years | $1,403 |
| 23 years | $3,104 |
| 25 years | $4,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardner
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Gardner:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Gardner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardner
For many Gardner homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gardner, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gardner, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 Gardner to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Gardner is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $10,340 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $14,207 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $18,286 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $22,574 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $27,074 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $31,784 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $36,704 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $41,835 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Gardner, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardner?
The average cost of solar panels in Gardner 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Gardner?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Gardner, 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 can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $892.11 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.