Solar Panel Cost Guide in Metamora, IL (2024 Update)
- Metamora Solar Installation Cost: $16,751
- 25-Year Savings: $10,151
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Metamora
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Metamora.
In Metamora, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Metamora homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,751 with the federal tax credit, or $23,954 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Metamora homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Metamora can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Metamora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,900 |
| 3 years | $-14,199 |
| 5 years | $-12,498 |
| 7 years | $-10,797 |
| 9 years | $-9,095 |
| 11 years | $-7,394 |
| 13 years | $-5,693 |
| 15 years | $-3,991 |
| 17 years | $-2,290 |
| 19 years | $-589 |
| 21 years | $1,113 |
| 23 years | $2,814 |
| 25 years | $4,515 |
Top Solar Installers in Metamora
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Metamora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Metamora
For many Metamora homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Metamora, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Metamora, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Metamora are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $4,612 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,570 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,739 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,118 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,708 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,509 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,520 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,741 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Metamora, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Metamora?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Metamora?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
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 how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Metamora?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.