Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Zion, IL (2023 Update)
- Mount Zion Solar Installation Cost: $12,028
- 25-Year Savings: $15,977
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Zion
We break down average solar pricing in Mount Zion.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Zion it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Mount Zion, the average price of going solar will be about $12,020 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Mount Zion based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mount Zion see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Mount Zion, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Zion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,177 |
| 3 years | $-9,476 |
| 5 years | $-7,774 |
| 7 years | $-6,073 |
| 9 years | $-4,372 |
| 11 years | $-2,670 |
| 13 years | $-969 |
| 15 years | $732 |
| 17 years | $2,433 |
| 19 years | $4,135 |
| 21 years | $5,836 |
| 23 years | $7,537 |
| 25 years | $9,239 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Zion
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Mount Zion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Zion
For many Mount Zion homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mount Zion, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mount Zion, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Mount Zion provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mount Zion is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,772 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $20,002 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $25,384 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $30,920 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $36,608 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $42,449 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $48,443 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $54,590 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Mount Zion, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Zion?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Zion?
A solar panel system isn't free in Mount Zion, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mount Zion is currently $108,605, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,453 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mount Zion is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.