Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, IL (2024 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $17,039
- 25-Year Savings: $10,241
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sterling
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sterling.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sterling it’s 4 per watt.The average Sterling homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,039 with the federal tax credit, or $24,366 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sterling find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Sterling, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sterling
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,882 |
| 3 years | $-13,570 |
| 5 years | $-11,258 |
| 7 years | $-8,945 |
| 9 years | $-6,633 |
| 11 years | $-4,321 |
| 13 years | $-2,008 |
| 15 years | $304 |
| 17 years | $2,616 |
| 19 years | $4,929 |
| 21 years | $7,241 |
| 23 years | $9,554 |
| 25 years | $11,866 |
Top Solar Installers in Sterling
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Sterling:
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 Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sterling: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Sterling homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sterling is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,534 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,466 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,609 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,962 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,526 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,301 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,286 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,481 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Sterling, 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:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Sterling, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sterling?
The average cost of solar panels in Sterling is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Sterling?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sterling. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sterling, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.