Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pontoon Beach, IL (2023 Update)
- Pontoon Beach Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $9,867
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pontoon Beach
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Pontoon Beach.
The average cost of solar panels in Pontoon Beach is 2.73 per watt. The average Pontoon Beach homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,695 with the federal tax credit, or $16,724 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Pontoon Beach depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pontoon Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,833 |
| 3 years | $-9,108 |
| 5 years | $-7,383 |
| 7 years | $-5,658 |
| 9 years | $-3,933 |
| 11 years | $-2,208 |
| 13 years | $-483 |
| 15 years | $1,242 |
| 17 years | $2,967 |
| 19 years | $4,692 |
| 21 years | $6,417 |
| 23 years | $8,142 |
| 25 years | $9,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Pontoon Beach
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Pontoon Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pontoon Beach
Although the average cost of a solar system in Pontoon Beach is $11,695, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pontoon Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pontoon Beach to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When considering 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pontoon Beach is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $9,224 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,604 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,138 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,824 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,663 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,655 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,800 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,097 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Pontoon Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through 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 if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Pontoon Beach, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pontoon Beach?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Pontoon Beach?
Solar panels aren't free in Pontoon Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Pontoon Beach?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.