Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Wheatland, IL (2023 Update)
- South Wheatland Solar Installation Cost: $12,020
- 25-Year Savings: $15,846
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Wheatland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in South Wheatland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Wheatland it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in South Wheatland, the average price of going solar will be about $12,020 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Wheatland homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average South Wheatland homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in South Wheatland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Wheatland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,906 |
| 3 years | $-8,676 |
| 5 years | $-6,447 |
| 7 years | $-4,218 |
| 9 years | $-1,988 |
| 11 years | $241 |
| 13 years | $2,470 |
| 15 years | $4,699 |
| 17 years | $6,929 |
| 19 years | $9,158 |
| 21 years | $11,387 |
| 23 years | $13,617 |
| 25 years | $15,846 |
Top Solar Installers in South Wheatland
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Wheatland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Wheatland
For many South Wheatland homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Wheatland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like South Wheatland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many South Wheatland homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in South Wheatland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $14,640 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $19,826 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $25,165 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $30,657 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $36,301 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $42,098 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $48,049 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $54,152 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in South Wheatland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Wheatland, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Wheatland?
The average cost of solar panels in South Wheatland 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in South Wheatland?
You can't get solar panels for free in South Wheatland. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in South Wheatland?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.