Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pecatonica, IL (2024 Update)
- Pecatonica Solar Installation Cost: $17,167
- 25-Year Savings: $11,576
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pecatonica
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Pecatonica.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pecatonica, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,167 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pecatonica find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
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 Pecatonica
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,011 |
3 years | $-13,698 |
5 years | $-11,386 |
7 years | $-9,074 |
9 years | $-6,761 |
11 years | $-4,449 |
13 years | $-2,137 |
15 years | $176 |
17 years | $2,488 |
19 years | $4,801 |
21 years | $7,113 |
23 years | $9,425 |
25 years | $11,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Pecatonica
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Pecatonica
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pecatonica
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Pecatonica: 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need 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 choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Pecatonica, 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 bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Pecatonica’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,692 | 18.6 years |
8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,010 | 18.2 years |
10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,539 | 17.9 years |
12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $13,278 | 17.5 years |
14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $16,228 | 17.1 years |
16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $19,389 | 16.8 years |
18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,760 | 16.4 years |
20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $26,341 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Pecatonica, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Pecatonica, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pecatonica?
The average cost of solar panels in Pecatonica 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pecatonica, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Pecatonica?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.