Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tolono, IL (2024 Update)
- Tolono Solar Installation Cost: $16,614
- 25-Year Savings: $13,214
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tolono
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Tolono.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tolono it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Tolono, the average price of going solar will be about $16,614 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Tolono can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Tolono for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Tolono
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,763 |
| 3 years | $-14,062 |
| 5 years | $-12,361 |
| 7 years | $-10,659 |
| 9 years | $-8,958 |
| 11 years | $-7,257 |
| 13 years | $-5,556 |
| 15 years | $-3,854 |
| 17 years | $-2,153 |
| 19 years | $-452 |
| 21 years | $1,250 |
| 23 years | $2,951 |
| 25 years | $4,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Tolono
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Tolono, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Tolono
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tolono
The cost of installing a solar system in Tolono can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Tolono.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Tolono homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Tolono, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $7,603 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,558 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,724 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $17,100 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $20,687 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $24,485 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $28,493 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $32,712 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Tolono, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tolono?
The average cost of solar panels in Tolono is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Tolono have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy 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 should be disposed of 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.