Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugar Creek, IL (2023 Update)
- Sugar Creek Solar Installation Cost: $11,699
- 25-Year Savings: $13,458
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugar Creek
We go over average solar pricing in Sugar Creek.
In Sugar Creek, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Sugar Creek, the average price of going solar will be about $11,695 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sugar Creek homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Sugar Creek homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Sugar Creek for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sugar Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,615 |
| 3 years | $-11,447 |
| 5 years | $-11,279 |
| 7 years | $-11,112 |
| 9 years | $-10,944 |
| 11 years | $-10,776 |
| 13 years | $-10,608 |
| 15 years | $-10,441 |
| 17 years | $-10,273 |
| 19 years | $-10,105 |
| 21 years | $-9,938 |
| 23 years | $-9,770 |
| 25 years | $-9,602 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugar Creek
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sugar Creek, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Sugar Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugar Creek
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sugar Creek average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sugar Creek have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,732 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,281 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $21,984 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $26,839 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $31,848 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $37,009 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $42,323 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $47,790 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Sugar Creek, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part 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 Sugar Creek, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sugar Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Sugar Creek is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sugar Creek?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sugar Creek. However, you may still be able to install 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 eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sugar Creek, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Sugar Creek?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.