Solar Panel Cost Guide in Helvetia, IL (2024 Update)
- Helvetia Solar Installation Cost: $16,101
- 25-Year Savings: $14,393
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Helvetia
We break down average solar pricing in Helvetia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Helvetia it’s 4 per watt.The average Helvetia homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,101 with the federal tax credit, or $23,024 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Helvetia 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.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Helvetia for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Helvetia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,250 |
| 3 years | $-13,549 |
| 5 years | $-11,848 |
| 7 years | $-10,147 |
| 9 years | $-8,445 |
| 11 years | $-6,744 |
| 13 years | $-5,043 |
| 15 years | $-3,341 |
| 17 years | $-1,640 |
| 19 years | $61 |
| 21 years | $1,763 |
| 23 years | $3,464 |
| 25 years | $5,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Helvetia
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Helvetia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Helvetia
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Helvetia: 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 going solar 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 spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Helvetia.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Helvetia, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Helvetia homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Helvetia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $9,159 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,633 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $16,318 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $20,213 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $24,319 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $28,636 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $33,163 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $37,900 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types 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 consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Helvetia, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Helvetia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Helvetia?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Helvetia?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.