Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelbyville, IL (2024 Update)
- Shelbyville Solar Installation Cost: $16,472
- 25-Year Savings: $15,658
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelbyville
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Shelbyville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shelbyville it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Shelbyville, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,472, or $23,555 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Shelbyville for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Shelbyville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,621 |
| 3 years | $-13,920 |
| 5 years | $-12,219 |
| 7 years | $-10,517 |
| 9 years | $-8,816 |
| 11 years | $-7,115 |
| 13 years | $-5,414 |
| 15 years | $-3,712 |
| 17 years | $-2,011 |
| 19 years | $-310 |
| 21 years | $1,392 |
| 23 years | $3,093 |
| 25 years | $4,794 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelbyville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Shelbyville:
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 Shelbyville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelbyville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Shelbyville: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Shelbyville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Shelbyville average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Shelbyville homeowners, they can also increase 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
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Shelbyville, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $10,054 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,826 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,809 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $22,002 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $26,407 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $31,021 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $35,846 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $40,882 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Shelbyville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelbyville?
The average cost of solar panels in Shelbyville 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Shelbyville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Shelbyville, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Shelbyville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
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 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 cover 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.