Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piasa, IL (2023 Update)
- Piasa Solar Installation Cost: $11,714
- 25-Year Savings: $16,040
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piasa
We break down average solar pricing in Piasa.
In Piasa, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Piasa, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,714, or $16,751 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Piasa find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Piasa for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Piasa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,604 |
| 3 years | $-8,384 |
| 5 years | $-6,164 |
| 7 years | $-3,943 |
| 9 years | $-1,723 |
| 11 years | $497 |
| 13 years | $2,718 |
| 15 years | $4,938 |
| 17 years | $7,158 |
| 19 years | $9,379 |
| 21 years | $11,599 |
| 23 years | $13,819 |
| 25 years | $16,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Piasa
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Piasa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Piasa
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Piasa average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Piasa, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 | $15,259 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $20,651 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $26,195 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $31,893 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $37,744 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $43,747 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $49,904 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $56,213 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Piasa, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Piasa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Piasa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Piasa?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.
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.