Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mendota, IL (2023 Update)
- Mendota Solar Installation Cost: $12,307
- 25-Year Savings: $11,119
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mendota
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Mendota.
In Mendota, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Mendota homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,307 with the federal tax credit, or $17,599 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mendota find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Mendota for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mendota
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,370 |
| 3 years | $-9,496 |
| 5 years | $-7,622 |
| 7 years | $-5,748 |
| 9 years | $-3,874 |
| 11 years | $-2,000 |
| 13 years | $-126 |
| 15 years | $1,748 |
| 17 years | $3,622 |
| 19 years | $5,497 |
| 21 years | $7,371 |
| 23 years | $9,245 |
| 25 years | $11,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Mendota
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Mendota, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Mendota
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mendota
The cost of installing a solar system in Mendota can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Mendota, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mendota to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Mendota, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk 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 promotion 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 | $9,916 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,527 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,291 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,207 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,277 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,499 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $33,875 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,403 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Mendota, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Mendota, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mendota?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mendota?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mendota. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Mendota?
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.