Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richmond, IL (2024 Update)
- Richmond Solar Installation Cost: $17,168
- 25-Year Savings: $10,147
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richmond
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Richmond.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Richmond, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,168 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Richmond homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Richmond for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Richmond
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,012 |
| 3 years | $-13,700 |
| 5 years | $-11,387 |
| 7 years | $-9,075 |
| 9 years | $-6,762 |
| 11 years | $-4,450 |
| 13 years | $-2,138 |
| 15 years | $175 |
| 17 years | $2,487 |
| 19 years | $4,799 |
| 21 years | $7,112 |
| 23 years | $9,424 |
| 25 years | $11,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Richmond
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Richmond, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Richmond
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richmond
For many Richmond homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Richmond, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Richmond.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Richmond average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $4,375 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,255 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,345 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,646 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,157 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,879 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,812 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,955 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, 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 type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading 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 such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Richmond, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Richmond?
The average cost of solar panels in Richmond is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model 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 Richmond?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $693.31 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.