Solar Panel Cost Guide in Red Bud, IL (2024 Update)
- Red Bud Solar Installation Cost: $15,998
- 25-Year Savings: $15,003
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Red Bud
We go over average solar pricing in Red Bud.
In Red Bud, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Red Bud homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,998 with the federal tax credit, or $22,877 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Red Bud find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Red Bud that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Red Bud
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,147 |
| 3 years | $-13,446 |
| 5 years | $-11,745 |
| 7 years | $-10,043 |
| 9 years | $-8,342 |
| 11 years | $-6,641 |
| 13 years | $-4,939 |
| 15 years | $-3,238 |
| 17 years | $-1,537 |
| 19 years | $164 |
| 21 years | $1,866 |
| 23 years | $3,567 |
| 25 years | $5,268 |
Top Solar Installers in Red Bud
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Red Bud
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Red Bud
While the average cost of a solar system in Red Bud is $15,998, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in Red Bud.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Red Bud offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Red Bud, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $9,852 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,557 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,473 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $21,599 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $25,936 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $30,483 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $35,241 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $40,210 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding 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.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 Red Bud, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Red Bud?
The average cost of solar panels in Red Bud 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Red Bud?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Red Bud have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 long do solar panels last in Red Bud?
Even 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 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.