Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Zion, IL (Mar 2023)
- Mount Zion Solar Installation Cost: $12,020
- 25-Year Savings: $15,984
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Zion
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Mount Zion.
The average cost of a solar system in Mount Zion is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $12,020 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Mount Zion homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Mount Zion that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mount Zion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,900 |
| 3 years | $-8,660 |
| 5 years | $-6,419 |
| 7 years | $-4,179 |
| 9 years | $-1,939 |
| 11 years | $302 |
| 13 years | $2,542 |
| 15 years | $4,782 |
| 17 years | $7,023 |
| 19 years | $9,263 |
| 21 years | $11,503 |
| 23 years | $13,743 |
| 25 years | $15,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Zion
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Mount Zion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Zion
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Mount Zion: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Mount Zion. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mount Zion average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mount Zion to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Mount Zion's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Mount Zion 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 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 | $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 solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Mount Zion, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Zion?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mount Zion?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mount Zion. 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mount Zion?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Mount Zion?
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 higher 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.