Solar Panel Cost Guide in Geneseo, IL (2024 Update)
- Geneseo Solar Installation Cost: $16,922
- 25-Year Savings: $8,457
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Geneseo
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Geneseo.
In Geneseo, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Geneseo is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,922 for a solar installation, or $24,198 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Geneseo homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Geneseo homeowner can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Geneseo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,766 |
| 3 years | $-13,453 |
| 5 years | $-11,141 |
| 7 years | $-8,828 |
| 9 years | $-6,516 |
| 11 years | $-4,204 |
| 13 years | $-1,891 |
| 15 years | $421 |
| 17 years | $2,733 |
| 19 years | $5,046 |
| 21 years | $7,358 |
| 23 years | $9,670 |
| 25 years | $11,983 |
Top Solar Installers in Geneseo
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Geneseo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Geneseo
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Geneseo: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Geneseo.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Geneseo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Geneseo offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Geneseo, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $2,934 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $4,333 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $5,943 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $7,764 | 20.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $9,794 | 19.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $12,036 | 19.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $14,488 | 18.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $17,150 | 18.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Geneseo, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Geneseo?
The average cost of solar panels in Geneseo is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Geneseo?
Solar panels aren’t free in Geneseo, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Geneseo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Geneseo?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.