Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pecatonica, IL (2023 Update)
- Pecatonica Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
- 25-Year Savings: $11,581
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pecatonica
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are 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 2.73 per watt. The average Pecatonica homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,460 with the federal tax credit, or $17,818 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Pecatonica, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pecatonica
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,498 |
| 3 years | $-9,575 |
| 5 years | $-7,652 |
| 7 years | $-5,728 |
| 9 years | $-3,805 |
| 11 years | $-1,882 |
| 13 years | $41 |
| 15 years | $1,965 |
| 17 years | $3,888 |
| 19 years | $5,811 |
| 21 years | $7,735 |
| 23 years | $9,658 |
| 25 years | $11,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Pecatonica
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Pecatonica, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Pecatonica
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pecatonica
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better 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
Most solar installers in Pecatonica have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Pecatonica, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pecatonica are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $10,191 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,893 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,749 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,757 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,918 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $30,232 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,699 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $39,319 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Pecatonica, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Pecatonica, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pecatonica?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pecatonica?
You can't get solar panels for free in Pecatonica. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.