Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Moline, IL (2024 Update)
- South Moline Solar Installation Cost: $16,986
- 25-Year Savings: $7,454
- Payback Period: 21.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Moline
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in South Moline.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Moline it’s 4 per watt.The average South Moline homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,986 with the federal tax credit, or $24,290 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Moline find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Moline
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,145 |
| 3 years | $-14,463 |
| 5 years | $-12,781 |
| 7 years | $-11,099 |
| 9 years | $-9,417 |
| 11 years | $-7,735 |
| 13 years | $-6,053 |
| 15 years | $-4,371 |
| 17 years | $-2,689 |
| 19 years | $-1,007 |
| 21 years | $675 |
| 23 years | $2,357 |
| 25 years | $4,039 |
Top Solar Installers in South Moline
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another benefit of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
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 South Moline
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Moline
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in South Moline: 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 system in South Moline, one of the most crucial 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Moline average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Moline to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in South Moline, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $1,972 | 22.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $3,051 | 21.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $4,340 | 21.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $5,839 | 21.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $7,549 | 20.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $9,470 | 20.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $11,602 | 19.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $13,943 | 19.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in South Moline, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over 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 like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
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 South Moline, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Moline?
The average cost of solar panels in South Moline 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in South Moline?
You can’t get solar panels for free in South Moline. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in South Moline?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 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.