Solar Panel Cost Guide in Normal, IL (Mar 2023)
- Normal Solar Installation Cost: $12,116
- 25-Year Savings: $11,100
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Normal
We break down average solar pricing in Normal.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Normal typically cost around 2.73. 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Normal see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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Solar savings over time in Normal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,187 |
| 3 years | $-9,330 |
| 5 years | $-7,473 |
| 7 years | $-5,615 |
| 9 years | $-3,758 |
| 11 years | $-1,901 |
| 13 years | $-44 |
| 15 years | $1,814 |
| 17 years | $3,671 |
| 19 years | $5,528 |
| 21 years | $7,385 |
| 23 years | $9,243 |
| 25 years | $11,100 |
Top Solar Installers in Normal
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Normal:
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 Normal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Normal
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Normal is $12,116, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 around $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
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. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Normal, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total 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 promotion 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 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 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 actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Normal?
Solar panels aren't free in Normal, 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 help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Normal is currently $163,686, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,711 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Normal is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Normal?
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.