Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sullivan, IL (2023 Update)
- Sullivan Solar Installation Cost: $11,982
- 25-Year Savings: $16,505
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sullivan
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Sullivan.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sullivan typically cost around 2.73. Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Sullivan, the average price of going solar will be about $11,982 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
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 your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Sullivan can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Sullivan that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sullivan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,842 |
| 3 years | $-8,564 |
| 5 years | $-6,285 |
| 7 years | $-4,006 |
| 9 years | $-1,727 |
| 11 years | $552 |
| 13 years | $2,831 |
| 15 years | $5,110 |
| 17 years | $7,389 |
| 19 years | $9,668 |
| 21 years | $11,947 |
| 23 years | $14,226 |
| 25 years | $16,505 |
Top Solar Installers in Sullivan
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
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 nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Sullivan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sullivan
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sullivan is $11,982, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain 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 get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back 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 increases your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Sullivan, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater 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 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $15,337 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $20,755 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $26,326 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $32,050 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $37,927 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $43,957 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $50,139 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $56,474 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Sullivan, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sullivan?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sullivan?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sullivan. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Sullivan have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Sullivan?
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 their energy production 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.