Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glen Carbon, IL (Mar 2023)
- Glen Carbon Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $9,482
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glen Carbon
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Glen Carbon.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glen Carbon generally cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Glen Carbon is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,695 for a solar installation, or $16,724 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Glen Carbon homeowner can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Glen Carbon for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Glen Carbon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,848 |
| 3 years | $-9,154 |
| 5 years | $-7,460 |
| 7 years | $-5,766 |
| 9 years | $-4,071 |
| 11 years | $-2,377 |
| 13 years | $-683 |
| 15 years | $1,011 |
| 17 years | $2,706 |
| 19 years | $4,400 |
| 21 years | $6,094 |
| 23 years | $7,788 |
| 25 years | $9,482 |
Top Solar Installers in Glen Carbon
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Glen Carbon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Glen Carbon. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Glen Carbon to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to include 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 back 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 (coming 2022)
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?
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.