Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Moline, IL (2023 Update)
- South Moline Solar Installation Cost: $12,326
- 25-Year Savings: $7,461
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Moline
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in South Moline.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Moline, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in South Moline, the average price of going solar will be about $12,326 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in South Moline depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in South Moline can save around $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in South Moline, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Moline
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,534 |
| 3 years | $-9,952 |
| 5 years | $-8,369 |
| 7 years | $-6,786 |
| 9 years | $-5,203 |
| 11 years | $-3,620 |
| 13 years | $-2,037 |
| 15 years | $-454 |
| 17 years | $1,129 |
| 19 years | $2,712 |
| 21 years | $4,295 |
| 23 years | $5,878 |
| 25 years | $7,461 |
Top Solar Installers in South Moline
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in South Moline:
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 South Moline
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Moline
For many South Moline homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Moline, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 around $2,730. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Moline have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for South Moline homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Moline is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $6,471 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $8,934 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $11,550 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $14,318 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $17,240 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $20,314 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $23,541 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $26,921 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 South Moline, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Moline?
The average cost of solar panels in South Moline is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South Moline?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 larger level 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.