Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsfield, IL (2024 Update)
- Pittsfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,330
- 25-Year Savings: $16,856
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsfield
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Pittsfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pittsfield it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pittsfield is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,330 for a solar installation, or $23,352 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Pittsfield homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Pittsfield homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,479 |
| 3 years | $-13,778 |
| 5 years | $-12,077 |
| 7 years | $-10,376 |
| 9 years | $-8,674 |
| 11 years | $-6,973 |
| 13 years | $-5,272 |
| 15 years | $-3,570 |
| 17 years | $-1,869 |
| 19 years | $-168 |
| 21 years | $1,533 |
| 23 years | $3,235 |
| 25 years | $4,936 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsfield
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Pittsfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield
There are many factors that can influence your total 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pittsfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Pittsfield homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Pittsfield homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Pittsfield, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $11,343 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $15,545 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $19,957 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $24,581 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $29,414 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $34,459 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $39,713 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $45,179 | 12.8 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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Pittsfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Pittsfield 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.