Solar Panel Cost Guide in Normal, IL (2023 Update)
- Normal Solar Installation Cost: $12,120
- 25-Year Savings: $11,096
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Normal
We go over average solar pricing in Normal.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Normal, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Normal homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,116 with the federal tax credit, or $17,326 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Normal find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Normal for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Normal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,269 |
| 3 years | $-9,568 |
| 5 years | $-7,866 |
| 7 years | $-6,165 |
| 9 years | $-4,464 |
| 11 years | $-2,763 |
| 13 years | $-1,061 |
| 15 years | $640 |
| 17 years | $2,341 |
| 19 years | $4,043 |
| 21 years | $5,744 |
| 23 years | $7,445 |
| 25 years | $9,147 |
Top Solar Installers in Normal
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a professional 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
See all of the solar companies in Normal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Normal
There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Normal average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Normal homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Normal homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Normal, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Normal have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $10,039 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,691 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,496 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,454 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,564 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,828 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,244 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,814 | 11.7 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Normal, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Normal?
The average cost of solar panels in Normal is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Normal?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Normal?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 install 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.