Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manteno, IL (2024 Update)

  • Manteno Solar Installation Cost: $16,867
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,366
  • Payback Period: 18.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manteno

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Manteno.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Manteno it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $16,867 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Manteno

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,710
3 years $-13,398
5 years $-11,086
7 years $-8,773
9 years $-6,461
11 years $-4,149
13 years $-1,836
15 years $476
17 years $2,789
19 years $5,101
21 years $7,413
23 years $9,726
25 years $12,038

Top Solar Installers in Manteno

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Manteno

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manteno

The cost of installing a solar system in Manteno can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in Manteno.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Manteno homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Manteno’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 keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $3.91 $16,424 $4,747 19.4 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,751 19.0 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,965 18.6 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $11,390 18.3 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $14,025 17.9 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $16,871 17.5 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $19,927 17.2 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $23,194 16.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Manteno, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manteno?

The average cost of solar panels in Manteno 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

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 reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Manteno?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.

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