Solar Panel Cost Guide in Normal, IL (2025 Update)
- Normal Solar Installation Cost: $16,692
- 25-Year Savings: $11,096
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Normal
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Normal.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Normal, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $16,692 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Normal depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Normal find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Normal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,842 |
| 3 years | $-14,140 |
| 5 years | $-12,439 |
| 7 years | $-10,738 |
| 9 years | $-9,036 |
| 11 years | $-7,335 |
| 13 years | $-5,634 |
| 15 years | $-3,933 |
| 17 years | $-2,231 |
| 19 years | $-530 |
| 21 years | $1,171 |
| 23 years | $2,873 |
| 25 years | $4,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Normal
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive 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:
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 $16,692, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Normal to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Normal, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,540 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,807 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,286 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,975 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,874 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,984 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,304 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,836 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 installation process.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind 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?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Normal. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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 $231,808, so you can look forward to a value of about $9,504 more than houses without a solar system. The exact 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?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.