Solar Panel Cost Guide in Murphysboro, IL (2023 Update)
- Murphysboro Solar Installation Cost: $11,596
- 25-Year Savings: $12,222
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Murphysboro
We go over average solar pricing in Murphysboro.
In Murphysboro, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Murphysboro homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,600 with the federal tax credit, or $16,588 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Murphysboro depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Murphysboro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,517 |
| 3 years | $-11,358 |
| 5 years | $-11,199 |
| 7 years | $-11,041 |
| 9 years | $-10,882 |
| 11 years | $-10,723 |
| 13 years | $-10,564 |
| 15 years | $-10,405 |
| 17 years | $-10,247 |
| 19 years | $-10,088 |
| 21 years | $-9,929 |
| 23 years | $-9,770 |
| 25 years | $-9,611 |
Top Solar Installers in Murphysboro
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Murphysboro, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Murphysboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Murphysboro
For many Murphysboro homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Murphysboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Murphysboro. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Murphysboro, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Murphysboro, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $11,626 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,807 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,141 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $24,628 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $29,268 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $34,061 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $39,006 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $44,105 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Murphysboro, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Murphysboro, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Murphysboro?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Murphysboro, 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 long do solar panels last in Murphysboro?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.