Solar Panel Cost Guide in Makanda, IL (Mar 2023)
- Makanda Solar Installation Cost: $11,600
- 25-Year Savings: $14,866
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Makanda
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Makanda.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Makanda it's 2.73 per watt. The average Makanda homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,600 with the federal tax credit, or $16,588 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Makanda based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Makanda homeowner can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Makanda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,541 |
| 3 years | $-8,424 |
| 5 years | $-6,307 |
| 7 years | $-4,189 |
| 9 years | $-2,072 |
| 11 years | $45 |
| 13 years | $2,163 |
| 15 years | $4,280 |
| 17 years | $6,397 |
| 19 years | $8,514 |
| 21 years | $10,632 |
| 23 years | $12,749 |
| 25 years | $14,866 |
Top Solar Installers in Makanda
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Makanda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Makanda
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Makanda: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Makanda. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Makanda, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Makanda, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Makanda's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,244 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $19,298 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $24,504 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $29,864 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $35,376 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $41,041 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $46,859 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $52,830 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Makanda, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Makanda, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Makanda?
The average cost of solar panels in Makanda is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Makanda?
A solar panel system isn't free in Makanda, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 how much 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 get 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.