Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Ottawa, IL (2024 Update)
- South Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $16,938
- 25-Year Savings: $11,127
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Ottawa
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in South Ottawa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Ottawa typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $16,938 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in South Ottawa based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average South Ottawa homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Ottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,782 |
| 3 years | $-13,469 |
| 5 years | $-11,157 |
| 7 years | $-8,845 |
| 9 years | $-6,532 |
| 11 years | $-4,220 |
| 13 years | $-1,908 |
| 15 years | $405 |
| 17 years | $2,717 |
| 19 years | $5,029 |
| 21 years | $7,342 |
| 23 years | $9,654 |
| 25 years | $11,966 |
Top Solar Installers in South Ottawa
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in South Ottawa, we've put together 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 South Ottawa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Ottawa
The cost of installing a solar system in South Ottawa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in South Ottawa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Ottawa have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. South Ottawa’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in South Ottawa know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,417 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,643 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,081 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,728 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,587 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,656 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,935 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,425 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in South Ottawa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 South Ottawa, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Ottawa?
The average cost of solar panels in South Ottawa 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Ottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in South Ottawa, 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.
How long do solar panels last in South Ottawa?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.