Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robinson, IL (2023 Update)
- Robinson Solar Installation Cost: $11,938
- 25-Year Savings: $11,616
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robinson
See how much it might cost to go solar in Robinson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Robinson it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Robinson is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,944 for a solar installation, or $17,080 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Robinson based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Robinson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Robinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,859 |
| 3 years | $-11,702 |
| 5 years | $-11,545 |
| 7 years | $-11,388 |
| 9 years | $-11,231 |
| 11 years | $-11,074 |
| 13 years | $-10,917 |
| 15 years | $-10,760 |
| 17 years | $-10,603 |
| 19 years | $-10,446 |
| 21 years | $-10,289 |
| 23 years | $-10,132 |
| 25 years | $-9,975 |
Top Solar Installers in Robinson
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Robinson, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Robinson:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Robinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robinson
The cost of installing a solar system in Robinson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Robinson to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Robinson homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Robinson's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,698 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $14,570 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $18,594 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $22,772 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $27,102 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $31,586 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $36,222 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $41,011 | 11.4 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Robinson, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Robinson?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Robinson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Robinson. However, you may still be able to get 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.