Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandalia, IL (Mar 2023)
- Vandalia Solar Installation Cost: $11,848
- 25-Year Savings: $12,024
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandalia
We break down average solar pricing in Vandalia.
The average cost of solar panels in Vandalia is 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Vandalia, the average price of going solar will be about $11,848 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Vandalia can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vandalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,893 |
| 3 years | $-8,984 |
| 5 years | $-7,074 |
| 7 years | $-5,164 |
| 9 years | $-3,254 |
| 11 years | $-1,344 |
| 13 years | $566 |
| 15 years | $2,475 |
| 17 years | $4,385 |
| 19 years | $6,295 |
| 21 years | $8,205 |
| 23 years | $10,115 |
| 25 years | $12,024 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandalia
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Vandalia. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Vandalia offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate 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 instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $11,175 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,206 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $19,390 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $23,727 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $28,216 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $32,858 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $37,654 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $42,602 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Vandalia?
Solar panels aren't free in Vandalia, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $770.00 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.