Solar Panel Cost Guide in Peoria, IL (2023 Update)

  • Peoria Solar Installation Cost: $12,192
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,638
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Peoria

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Peoria.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Peoria typically cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Peoria, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,192, or $17,435 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Peoria homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Peoria see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Peoria

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,399
3 years $-9,813
5 years $-8,226
7 years $-6,640
9 years $-5,053
11 years $-3,467
13 years $-1,880
15 years $-294
17 years $1,292
19 years $2,879
21 years $4,465
23 years $6,052
25 years $7,638

Top Solar Installers in Peoria

When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Peoria

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Peoria

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Peoria is $12,192, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Peoria. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Peoria, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $6,718 16.0 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $9,263 15.7 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $11,961 15.4 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $14,811 15.1 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $17,815 14.8 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $20,972 14.5 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $24,281 14.1 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $27,743 13.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Peoria, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Peoria?

The average cost of solar panels in Peoria 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $621.41 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.

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