Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harter, IL (Mar 2023)
- Harter Solar Installation Cost: $11,829
- 25-Year Savings: $14,205
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harter
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Harter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Harter it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $11,829 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Harter homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Harter homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,788 |
| 3 years | $-8,705 |
| 5 years | $-6,622 |
| 7 years | $-4,540 |
| 9 years | $-2,457 |
| 11 years | $-374 |
| 13 years | $1,709 |
| 15 years | $3,791 |
| 17 years | $5,874 |
| 19 years | $7,957 |
| 21 years | $10,039 |
| 23 years | $12,122 |
| 25 years | $14,205 |
Top Solar Installers in Harter
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Harter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harter
Although the average cost of a solar system in Harter is $11,829, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 around $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Harter offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, 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 opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Harter, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $13,315 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,059 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $22,956 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $28,006 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $33,209 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $38,565 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $44,073 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $49,735 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Harter, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Harter?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.