Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tuscola, IL (2024 Update)

  • Tuscola Solar Installation Cost: $16,547
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,152
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tuscola

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Tuscola.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tuscola, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $16,547 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Tuscola depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Tuscola homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Tuscola

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,697
3 years $-13,996
5 years $-12,294
7 years $-10,593
9 years $-8,892
11 years $-7,190
13 years $-5,489
15 years $-3,788
17 years $-2,087
19 years $-385
21 years $1,316
23 years $3,017
25 years $4,719

Top Solar Installers in Tuscola

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Tuscola

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tuscola

For many Tuscola homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tuscola, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Tuscola, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 $3.91 $16,424 $9,502 15.8 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $13,091 15.5 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $16,890 15.2 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $20,899 14.9 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $25,120 14.6 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $29,550 14.3 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $34,192 14.0 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $39,043 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Tuscola, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tuscola?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tuscola?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Does Tuscola have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 Tuscola?

Although 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 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.

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