Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sterling, IL (2025 Update)
- Sterling Solar Installation Cost: $17,039
- 25-Year Savings: $10,241
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sterling find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Sterling for a quote for your home.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Sterling
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sterling
For many Sterling homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sterling, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Sterling.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 many years, but they can also be a big 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 opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Sterling, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Sterling, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sterling?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sterling?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Sterling, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sterling, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.