Solar Panel Cost Guide in Limestone, IL (2024 Update)
- Limestone Solar Installation Cost: $16,798
- 25-Year Savings: $4,468
- Payback Period: 21.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Limestone
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Limestone.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Limestone generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Limestone is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,798 for a solar installation, or $24,021 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Limestone based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Limestone homeowner can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Limestone for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Limestone
| 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 Limestone
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Limestone
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Limestone
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Limestone: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Limestone, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Limestone to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Limestone, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Limestone, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Limestone?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Limestone?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Limestone. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.