Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pontiac, IL (2024 Update)
- Pontiac Solar Installation Cost: $16,775
- 25-Year Savings: $12,031
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pontiac
We go over average solar pricing in Pontiac.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pontiac, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Pontiac, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,775, or $23,988 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Pontiac can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pontiac that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pontiac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,619 |
| 3 years | $-13,307 |
| 5 years | $-10,994 |
| 7 years | $-8,682 |
| 9 years | $-6,370 |
| 11 years | $-4,057 |
| 13 years | $-1,745 |
| 15 years | $567 |
| 17 years | $2,880 |
| 19 years | $5,192 |
| 21 years | $7,505 |
| 23 years | $9,817 |
| 25 years | $12,129 |
Top Solar Installers in Pontiac
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pontiac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pontiac
There are many criteria that can determine 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pontiac have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Pontiac, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Pontiac have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $6,368 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,912 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $11,666 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $14,631 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $17,807 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,193 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $24,789 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $28,597 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Pontiac, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Pontiac, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pontiac?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pontiac?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Pontiac. 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 it worth going solar in Pontiac?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.