Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glen Carbon, IL (2024 Update)
- Glen Carbon Solar Installation Cost: $16,101
- 25-Year Savings: $9,487
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glen Carbon
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Glen Carbon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Glen Carbon it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $16,101 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Glen Carbon can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Glen Carbon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glen Carbon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,250 |
| 3 years | $-13,549 |
| 5 years | $-11,848 |
| 7 years | $-10,147 |
| 9 years | $-8,445 |
| 11 years | $-6,744 |
| 13 years | $-5,043 |
| 15 years | $-3,341 |
| 17 years | $-1,640 |
| 19 years | $61 |
| 21 years | $1,763 |
| 23 years | $3,464 |
| 25 years | $5,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Glen Carbon
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Glen Carbon:
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 Glen Carbon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glen Carbon
For many Glen Carbon homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glen Carbon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Glen Carbon.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Glen Carbon, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $4,347 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,218 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,298 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,590 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,092 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,804 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,727 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,861 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Glen Carbon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Glen Carbon, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glen Carbon?
The average cost of solar panels in Glen Carbon 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 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 Glen Carbon?
Solar panels aren’t free in Glen Carbon, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Glen Carbon have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.