Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saline, IL (2023 Update)
- Saline Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $14,388
- Payback Period: 11.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saline
We break down average solar pricing in Saline.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Saline is 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Saline, the average price of going solar will be about $11,695 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Saline depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Saline
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,652 |
| 3 years | $-8,565 |
| 5 years | $-6,479 |
| 7 years | $-4,392 |
| 9 years | $-2,305 |
| 11 years | $-218 |
| 13 years | $1,868 |
| 15 years | $3,955 |
| 17 years | $6,042 |
| 19 years | $8,128 |
| 21 years | $10,215 |
| 23 years | $12,302 |
| 25 years | $14,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Saline
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Saline, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Saline
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saline
For many Saline homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Saline, 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Saline, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Saline homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Saline, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,658 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,517 | 11.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $23,528 | 11.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $28,692 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $34,010 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $39,480 | 10.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $45,102 | 10.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $50,878 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Saline, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Saline, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saline?
The average cost of solar panels in Saline is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Saline, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.