Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helvetia, IL (2023 Update)
- Helvetia Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $14,388
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helvetia
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Helvetia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Helvetia, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,695 before the 30% 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 going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Helvetia find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Helvetia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Helvetia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,652 |
| 3 years | $-8,565 |
| 5 years | $-6,479 |
| 7 years | $-4,392 |
| 9 years | $-2,305 |
| 11 years | $-218 |
| 13 years | $1,868 |
| 15 years | $3,955 |
| 17 years | $6,042 |
| 19 years | $8,128 |
| 21 years | $10,215 |
| 23 years | $12,302 |
| 25 years | $14,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Helvetia
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Helvetia, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Helvetia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helvetia
The cost of installing a solar system in Helvetia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Helvetia. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Helvetia, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Helvetia'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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $13,658 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,517 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $23,528 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $28,692 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $34,010 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $39,480 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $45,102 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $50,878 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Helvetia, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Helvetia?
This is a hard 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 home 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.