Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerset, IL (2024 Update)

  • Somerset Solar Installation Cost: $15,971
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,222
  • Payback Period: 16.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerset

We break down average solar pricing in Somerset.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Somerset it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $15,971 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Somerset depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Somerset homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Somerset

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,121
3 years$-13,420
5 years$-11,718
7 years$-10,017
9 years$-8,316
11 years$-6,614
13 years$-4,913
15 years$-3,212
17 years$-1,511
19 years$191
21 years$1,892
23 years$3,593
25 years$5,295

Top Solar Installers in Somerset

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Somerset

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerset

Though the average cost of a solar system in Somerset is $15,971, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Somerset to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Somerset homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Somerset are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$7,12717.4 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$9,92417.1 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$12,93116.8 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$16,14916.4 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$19,57816.1 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$23,21715.8 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$27,06715.4 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$31,12715.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Somerset, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Somerset?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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 higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Somerset?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Somerset. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Somerset, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.