Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sullivan, IL (2024 Update)
- Sullivan Solar Installation Cost: $16,502
- 25-Year Savings: $16,506
- Payback Period: 14.5 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 Sullivan
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sullivan.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sullivan generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Sullivan is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,502 for a solar installation, or $23,598 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sullivan homeowners. 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 Sullivan homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Sullivan for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sullivan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,651 |
| 3 years | $-13,950 |
| 5 years | $-12,248 |
| 7 years | $-10,547 |
| 9 years | $-8,846 |
| 11 years | $-7,145 |
| 13 years | $-5,443 |
| 15 years | $-3,742 |
| 17 years | $-2,041 |
| 19 years | $-339 |
| 21 years | $1,362 |
| 23 years | $3,063 |
| 25 years | $4,764 |
Top Solar Installers in Sullivan
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Sullivan, the EcoWatch team has 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
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 Sullivan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sullivan
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sullivan is $16,502, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sullivan average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sullivan offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Sullivan’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $10,838 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $14,872 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $19,116 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $23,571 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $28,237 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $33,113 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $38,199 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $43,496 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Sullivan, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sullivan?
The average cost of solar panels in Sullivan 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sullivan?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.