Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seward, IL (2024 Update)
- Seward Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
- 25-Year Savings: $10,680
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seward
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Seward.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Seward typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,056 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Seward homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Seward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,900 |
| 3 years | $-13,587 |
| 5 years | $-11,275 |
| 7 years | $-8,963 |
| 9 years | $-6,650 |
| 11 years | $-4,338 |
| 13 years | $-2,025 |
| 15 years | $287 |
| 17 years | $2,599 |
| 19 years | $4,912 |
| 21 years | $7,224 |
| 23 years | $9,536 |
| 25 years | $11,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Seward
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working 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're searching for a solar company in Seward, we've compiled 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 Seward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seward
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Seward: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,760. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Seward average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Seward provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Seward is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the 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 | $4,931 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,996 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,271 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,757 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,453 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,360 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,478 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,806 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Seward, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- 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 you can expect about the cost.
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 Seward, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Seward?
The average cost of solar panels in Seward 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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 long do solar panels last in Seward?
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 larger 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.