Solar Panel Cost Guide in Litchfield, IL (2023 Update)
- Litchfield Solar Installation Cost: $11,848
- 25-Year Savings: $18,040
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Litchfield
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Litchfield.
The average cost of a solar system in Litchfield is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Litchfield, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,848, or $16,943 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Litchfield based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Litchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,653 |
| 3 years | $-8,262 |
| 5 years | $-5,871 |
| 7 years | $-3,479 |
| 9 years | $-1,088 |
| 11 years | $1,303 |
| 13 years | $3,694 |
| 15 years | $6,085 |
| 17 years | $8,476 |
| 19 years | $10,867 |
| 21 years | $13,258 |
| 23 years | $15,649 |
| 25 years | $18,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Litchfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions 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 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 Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Litchfield
For many Litchfield homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Litchfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few 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 determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Litchfield provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Litchfield homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Litchfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $17,021 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $23,001 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $29,133 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $35,418 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $41,856 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $48,447 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $55,191 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $62,088 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Litchfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Litchfield?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Litchfield?
A solar panel system isn't free in Litchfield, 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Litchfield?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.