Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glen Carbon, IL (2023 Update)
- Glen Carbon Solar Installation Cost: $11,690
- 25-Year Savings: $9,487
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glen Carbon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Glen Carbon.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glen Carbon generally cost around 2.73. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Glen Carbon, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,695, or $16,724 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Glen Carbon can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glen Carbon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,840 |
| 3 years | $-9,138 |
| 5 years | $-7,437 |
| 7 years | $-5,736 |
| 9 years | $-4,035 |
| 11 years | $-2,333 |
| 13 years | $-632 |
| 15 years | $1,069 |
| 17 years | $2,771 |
| 19 years | $4,472 |
| 21 years | $6,173 |
| 23 years | $7,874 |
| 25 years | $9,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Glen Carbon
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Glen Carbon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glen Carbon
There are many criteria that can determine 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Glen Carbon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Glen Carbon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $8,846 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,101 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,508 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,069 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,782 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,648 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,667 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,839 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely 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 what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Glen Carbon, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glen Carbon?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Glen Carbon, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Glen Carbon?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.