Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kickapoo, IL (2024 Update)
- Kickapoo Solar Installation Cost: $16,798
- 25-Year Savings: $7,634
- Payback Period: 21.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kickapoo
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Kickapoo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kickapoo, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Kickapoo homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,798 with the federal tax credit, or $24,021 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kickapoo find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Kickapoo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kickapoo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,947 |
| 3 years | $-14,246 |
| 5 years | $-12,545 |
| 7 years | $-10,844 |
| 9 years | $-9,142 |
| 11 years | $-7,441 |
| 13 years | $-5,740 |
| 15 years | $-4,038 |
| 17 years | $-2,337 |
| 19 years | $-636 |
| 21 years | $1,065 |
| 23 years | $2,767 |
| 25 years | $4,468 |
Top Solar Installers in Kickapoo
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Kickapoo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kickapoo
For many Kickapoo homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kickapoo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kickapoo, which can bring down, 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 total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Kickapoo are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $2,219 | 22.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $3,379 | 21.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $4,751 | 21.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $6,332 | 20.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $8,125 | 20.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $10,128 | 19.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $12,341 | 19.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $14,765 | 19.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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
EcoWatch's Kickapoo, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kickapoo?
The average cost of solar panels in Kickapoo is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kickapoo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.