Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Wheatland, IL (2024 Update)
- South Wheatland Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
- 25-Year Savings: $15,839
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Wheatland
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in South Wheatland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Wheatland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average South Wheatland homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,565 with the federal tax credit, or $23,688 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Wheatland find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized 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 Wheatland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,715 |
| 3 years | $-14,013 |
| 5 years | $-12,312 |
| 7 years | $-10,611 |
| 9 years | $-8,910 |
| 11 years | $-7,208 |
| 13 years | $-5,507 |
| 15 years | $-3,806 |
| 17 years | $-2,104 |
| 19 years | $-403 |
| 21 years | $1,298 |
| 23 years | $2,999 |
| 25 years | $4,701 |
Top Solar Installers in South Wheatland
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Wheatland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Wheatland
There are many factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in South Wheatland, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the South Wheatland average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in South Wheatland, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. South Wheatland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,141 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,943 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,955 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $22,178 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $26,611 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $31,255 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $36,109 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $41,174 | 13.4 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. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, 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 Wheatland, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Wheatland?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in South Wheatland is currently $130,826, which means you can expect a value of about $5,364 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in South Wheatland is a fruitful investment.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.