Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grafton, IL (2023 Update)
- Grafton Solar Installation Cost: $12,465
- 25-Year Savings: $10,147
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grafton
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Grafton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grafton it's 2.73 per watt. The average Grafton homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,460 with the federal tax credit, or $17,818 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Grafton can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Grafton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grafton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,390 |
| 3 years | $-12,239 |
| 5 years | $-12,088 |
| 7 years | $-11,938 |
| 9 years | $-11,787 |
| 11 years | $-11,636 |
| 13 years | $-11,485 |
| 15 years | $-11,335 |
| 17 years | $-11,184 |
| 19 years | $-11,033 |
| 21 years | $-10,882 |
| 23 years | $-10,732 |
| 25 years | $-10,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Grafton
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Grafton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grafton
For many Grafton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Grafton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Grafton, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Grafton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Grafton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $8,875 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,138 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,555 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,125 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,848 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,723 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,751 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,933 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Grafton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grafton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Grafton?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Grafton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.