Solar Panel Cost Guide in Green Garden, IL (2023 Update)
- Green Garden Solar Installation Cost: $12,341
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Green Garden
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Green Garden.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Green Garden it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Green Garden, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,345, or $17,653 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Green Garden based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Green Garden for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Green Garden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,185 |
| 3 years | $-8,873 |
| 5 years | $-6,560 |
| 7 years | $-4,248 |
| 9 years | $-1,936 |
| 11 years | $377 |
| 13 years | $2,689 |
| 15 years | $5,002 |
| 17 years | $7,314 |
| 19 years | $9,626 |
| 21 years | $11,939 |
| 23 years | $14,251 |
| 25 years | $16,563 |
Top Solar Installers in Green Garden
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 Green Garden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Green Garden
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Green Garden is $12,345, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Green Garden, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Green Garden to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,083 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,417 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,904 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,543 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,335 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,280 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,378 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,629 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Green Garden, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Green Garden?
The average cost of solar panels in Green Garden is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost 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 reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Green Garden have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
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 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 get 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.