Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandalia, IL (2024 Update)
- Vandalia Solar Installation Cost: $16,320
- 25-Year Savings: $12,023
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandalia
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Vandalia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vandalia it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Vandalia, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,320, or $23,338 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Vandalia homeowners. The cost 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.With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vandalia find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Vandalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,469 |
| 3 years | $-13,768 |
| 5 years | $-12,067 |
| 7 years | $-10,365 |
| 9 years | $-8,664 |
| 11 years | $-6,963 |
| 13 years | $-5,262 |
| 15 years | $-3,560 |
| 17 years | $-1,859 |
| 19 years | $-158 |
| 21 years | $1,544 |
| 23 years | $3,245 |
| 25 years | $4,946 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandalia
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Vandalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandalia
The cost of installing a solar system in Vandalia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Vandalia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Vandalia is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $6,676 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,323 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,180 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $15,248 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $18,526 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $22,015 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $25,714 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $29,624 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall 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 keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Vandalia, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vandalia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Vandalia?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Vandalia. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Vandalia?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.