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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 needs of the average home in Vandalia, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,320, or $23,338 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Vandalia can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
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
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Vandalia, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vandalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandalia
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $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 choose 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 opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Vandalia, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Vandalia have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Vandalia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers 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 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 Vandalia, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vandalia?
The average cost of solar panels in Vandalia 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for 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.
Is it worth going solar in Vandalia?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Vandalia?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.