Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingston, IL (2024 Update)
- Kingston Solar Installation Cost: $17,092
- 25-Year Savings: $10,202
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingston
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Kingston.
In Kingston, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Kingston, the average price of going solar will be about $17,092 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Kingston homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Kingston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,936 |
| 3 years | $-13,624 |
| 5 years | $-11,311 |
| 7 years | $-8,999 |
| 9 years | $-6,687 |
| 11 years | $-4,374 |
| 13 years | $-2,062 |
| 15 years | $251 |
| 17 years | $2,563 |
| 19 years | $4,875 |
| 21 years | $7,188 |
| 23 years | $9,500 |
| 25 years | $11,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingston
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Kingston, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Kingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingston
For many Kingston homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kingston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in Kingston.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Kingston homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Kingston 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 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,468 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,378 | 19.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,499 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,831 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,373 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,125 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,089 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,262 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Kingston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Kingston, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kingston?
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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $696.38 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.