Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robinson, IL (2023 Update)
- Robinson Solar Installation Cost: $11,944
- 25-Year Savings: $11,610
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robinson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Robinson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Robinson it's 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Robinson, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,944, or $17,080 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Robinson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Robinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,002 |
| 3 years | $-9,117 |
| 5 years | $-7,233 |
| 7 years | $-5,349 |
| 9 years | $-3,464 |
| 11 years | $-1,580 |
| 13 years | $304 |
| 15 years | $2,189 |
| 17 years | $4,073 |
| 19 years | $5,957 |
| 21 years | $7,842 |
| 23 years | $9,726 |
| 25 years | $11,610 |
Top Solar Installers in Robinson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another benefit of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Robinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robinson
For many Robinson homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Robinson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Robinson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Robinson, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Robinson are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Robinson, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Robinson?
This is a hard 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Robinson?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.