Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparta, IL (2023 Update)
- Sparta Solar Installation Cost: $11,615
- 25-Year Savings: $12,203
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparta
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sparta.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sparta it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,619 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sparta homeowners. The price 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. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sparta that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sparta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,765 |
| 3 years | $-9,063 |
| 5 years | $-7,362 |
| 7 years | $-5,661 |
| 9 years | $-3,960 |
| 11 years | $-2,258 |
| 13 years | $-557 |
| 15 years | $1,144 |
| 17 years | $2,846 |
| 19 years | $4,547 |
| 21 years | $6,248 |
| 23 years | $7,949 |
| 25 years | $9,651 |
Top Solar Installers in Sparta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Sparta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparta
For many Sparta homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sparta, 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Sparta, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Sparta homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration 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 select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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.