Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poplar Grove, IL (2023 Update)
- Poplar Grove Solar Installation Cost: $12,498
- 25-Year Savings: $12,114
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poplar Grove
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Poplar Grove.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Poplar Grove typically cost around 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Poplar Grove is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,498 for a solar installation, or $17,872 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Poplar Grove homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Poplar Grove find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Poplar Grove, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Poplar Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,513 |
| 3 years | $-9,544 |
| 5 years | $-7,575 |
| 7 years | $-5,607 |
| 9 years | $-3,638 |
| 11 years | $-1,669 |
| 13 years | $300 |
| 15 years | $2,269 |
| 17 years | $4,238 |
| 19 years | $6,207 |
| 21 years | $8,176 |
| 23 years | $10,145 |
| 25 years | $12,114 |
Top Solar Installers in Poplar Grove
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Poplar Grove, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Poplar Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poplar Grove
For many Poplar Grove homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Poplar Grove, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Poplar Grove, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Poplar Grove homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Poplar Grove, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,671 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $14,533 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $18,549 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $22,717 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $27,039 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $31,513 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $36,140 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $40,920 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Poplar Grove, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Poplar Grove?
The average cost of solar panels in Poplar Grove is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Poplar Grove?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Poplar Grove have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future electricity 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.