Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparta, IL (Mar 2023)
- Sparta Solar Installation Cost: $11,619
- 25-Year Savings: $12,200
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparta
We break down average solar pricing in Sparta.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sparta it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Sparta, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,619, or $16,615 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sparta see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sparta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,666 |
| 3 years | $-8,761 |
| 5 years | $-6,855 |
| 7 years | $-4,950 |
| 9 years | $-3,044 |
| 11 years | $-1,139 |
| 13 years | $767 |
| 15 years | $2,672 |
| 17 years | $4,578 |
| 19 years | $6,483 |
| 21 years | $8,389 |
| 23 years | $10,294 |
| 25 years | $12,200 |
Top Solar Installers in Sparta
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Sparta, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sparta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparta
The cost of installing a solar system in Sparta can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sparta to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Sparta's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $11,587 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,756 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,077 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $24,551 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $29,178 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $33,958 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $38,890 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $43,976 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Sparta, 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- 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 panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Sparta, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sparta?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sparta?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 home 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.