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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $16,101 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Helvetia based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI 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 top solar company in your area 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

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you're looking for a solar company in Helvetia, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Helvetia, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Helvetia, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Helvetia is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.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 at a higher cost. 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 fit into 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 $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 installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Helvetia, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Helvetia?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Helvetia?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Helvetia?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation 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 Helvetia?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.

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