Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lansing, IL (2024 Update)
- Lansing Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Lansing.
In Lansing, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Lansing, the average price of going solar will be about $16,818 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Lansing depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lansing find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lansing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,662 |
| 3 years | $-13,350 |
| 5 years | $-11,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,725 |
| 9 years | $-6,413 |
| 11 years | $-4,100 |
| 13 years | $-1,788 |
| 15 years | $524 |
| 17 years | $2,837 |
| 19 years | $5,149 |
| 21 years | $7,461 |
| 23 years | $9,774 |
| 25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Lansing
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Lansing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lansing
For many Lansing homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lansing, 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
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lansing, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lansing, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Lansing 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 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 | $4,808 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,832 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,066 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,511 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,166 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,032 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,109 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,396 | 16.7 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 brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Lansing, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lansing?
The average cost of solar panels in Lansing 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lansing?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Lansing, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Lansing have a net metering program?
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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.