Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mascoutah, IL (2023 Update)
- Mascoutah Solar Installation Cost: $11,619
- 25-Year Savings: $14,089
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mascoutah
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Mascoutah.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mascoutah it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Mascoutah is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,619 for a solar installation, or $16,615 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Mascoutah based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Mascoutah homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
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Solar savings over time in Mascoutah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,591 |
| 3 years | $-8,534 |
| 5 years | $-6,477 |
| 7 years | $-4,421 |
| 9 years | $-2,364 |
| 11 years | $-308 |
| 13 years | $1,749 |
| 15 years | $3,806 |
| 17 years | $5,862 |
| 19 years | $7,919 |
| 21 years | $9,975 |
| 23 years | $12,032 |
| 25 years | $14,089 |
Top Solar Installers in Mascoutah
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering 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
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 Mascoutah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mascoutah
There are several factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Mascoutah, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mascoutah to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Mascoutah, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the 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 | $13,449 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,238 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $23,179 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $28,274 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $33,521 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $38,922 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $44,475 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $50,181 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Mascoutah, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mascoutah?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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 Mascoutah?
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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.