Solar Panel Cost Guide in Metropolis, IL (2024 Update)
- Metropolis Solar Installation Cost: $15,829
- 25-Year Savings: $11,647
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Metropolis
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Metropolis.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Metropolis it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Metropolis, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,829, or $22,635 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Metropolis homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Metropolis can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Metropolis, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Metropolis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,979 |
| 3 years | $-13,277 |
| 5 years | $-11,576 |
| 7 years | $-9,875 |
| 9 years | $-8,174 |
| 11 years | $-6,472 |
| 13 years | $-4,771 |
| 15 years | $-3,070 |
| 17 years | $-1,368 |
| 19 years | $333 |
| 21 years | $2,034 |
| 23 years | $3,735 |
| 25 years | $5,437 |
Top Solar Installers in Metropolis
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Metropolis, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Metropolis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Metropolis
The cost of installing a solar system in Metropolis can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Metropolis.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Metropolis homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Metropolis is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Metropolis know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $6,662 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,303 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,155 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $15,218 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $18,491 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,975 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $25,670 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $29,575 | 15.4 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 select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Metropolis, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Metropolis?
The average cost of solar panels in Metropolis is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.