Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Creek, IL (Mar 2023)
- Long Creek Solar Installation Cost: $12,020
- 25-Year Savings: $16,964
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Creek
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Long Creek.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Long Creek it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Long Creek is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,020 for a solar installation, or $17,189 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Long Creek homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Long Creek can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Long Creek for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Long Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,861 |
| 3 years | $-8,542 |
| 5 years | $-6,223 |
| 7 years | $-3,905 |
| 9 years | $-1,586 |
| 11 years | $733 |
| 13 years | $3,051 |
| 15 years | $5,370 |
| 17 years | $7,689 |
| 19 years | $10,007 |
| 21 years | $12,326 |
| 23 years | $14,645 |
| 25 years | $16,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Creek
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Long Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Creek
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Long Creek offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Long Creek's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,706 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $21,247 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $26,941 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $32,788 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $38,787 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $44,940 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $51,245 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $57,703 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company 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 keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Long Creek, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Creek?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Long Creek?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.