Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kickapoo, IL (2023 Update)
- Kickapoo Solar Installation Cost: $12,192
- 25-Year Savings: $7,638
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kickapoo
We go over average solar pricing in Kickapoo.
The average cost of a solar system in Kickapoo is 2.73 per watt. The average Kickapoo homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,192 with the federal tax credit, or $17,435 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Kickapoo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kickapoo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,399 |
| 3 years | $-9,813 |
| 5 years | $-8,226 |
| 7 years | $-6,640 |
| 9 years | $-5,053 |
| 11 years | $-3,467 |
| 13 years | $-1,880 |
| 15 years | $-294 |
| 17 years | $1,292 |
| 19 years | $2,879 |
| 21 years | $4,465 |
| 23 years | $6,052 |
| 25 years | $7,638 |
Top Solar Installers in Kickapoo
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a professional solar company 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 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 Kickapoo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kickapoo
For many Kickapoo homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends 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 various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Kickapoo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Kickapoo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Kickapoo, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kickapoo are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $6,718 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $9,263 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $11,961 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $14,811 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $17,815 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $20,972 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $24,281 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $27,743 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 deciding.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 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 $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $621.41 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.