Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Clair, IL (2023 Update)
- St. Clair Solar Installation Cost: $11,617
- 25-Year Savings: $12,528
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Clair
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Clair.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Clair generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,619 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Clair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,766 |
| 3 years | $-9,065 |
| 5 years | $-7,364 |
| 7 years | $-5,662 |
| 9 years | $-3,961 |
| 11 years | $-2,260 |
| 13 years | $-558 |
| 15 years | $1,143 |
| 17 years | $2,844 |
| 19 years | $4,546 |
| 21 years | $6,247 |
| 23 years | $7,948 |
| 25 years | $9,649 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Clair
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 St. Clair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Clair
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St. Clair is $11,619, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St. Clair, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. St. Clair's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in St. Clair have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $11,906 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $16,181 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,608 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $25,189 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $29,922 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $34,808 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $39,847 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $45,039 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes 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 St. Clair, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Clair?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Clair is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Clair?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
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 St. Clair is currently $151,061, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,194 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Clair is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in St. Clair?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.