Solar Panel Cost Guide in Moline, IL (2023 Update)
- Moline Solar Installation Cost: $12,326
- 25-Year Savings: $7,461
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Moline
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Moline.
The average cost of a solar system in Moline is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Moline is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,326 for a solar installation, or $17,626 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Moline based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Moline
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,534 |
| 3 years | $-9,952 |
| 5 years | $-8,369 |
| 7 years | $-6,786 |
| 9 years | $-5,203 |
| 11 years | $-3,620 |
| 13 years | $-2,037 |
| 15 years | $-454 |
| 17 years | $1,129 |
| 19 years | $2,712 |
| 21 years | $4,295 |
| 23 years | $5,878 |
| 25 years | $7,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Moline
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Moline, we've put together 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 Moline
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Moline
The cost of installing a solar system in Moline can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Moline. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Moline, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include 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 solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Moline, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better 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 discount 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 | $6,471 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $8,934 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $11,550 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $14,318 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $17,240 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $20,314 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $23,541 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $26,921 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect 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:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Moline, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Moline?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Moline, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.