Solar Panel Cost Guide in Volo, IL (2024 Update)
- Volo Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
- 25-Year Savings: $10,528
- Payback Period: 18.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Volo
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Volo.
In Volo, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Volo, the average price of going solar will be about $16,643 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Volo for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Volo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,487 |
| 3 years | $-13,174 |
| 5 years | $-10,862 |
| 7 years | $-8,550 |
| 9 years | $-6,237 |
| 11 years | $-3,925 |
| 13 years | $-1,612 |
| 15 years | $700 |
| 17 years | $3,012 |
| 19 years | $5,325 |
| 21 years | $7,637 |
| 23 years | $9,949 |
| 25 years | $12,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Volo
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
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 Volo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Volo
The cost of installing a solar system in Volo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Volo to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Volo homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Volo is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 vehicle 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 | $5,032 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,130 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,439 | 18.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,959 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,689 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,630 | 17.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,781 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,143 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a 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 make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Volo, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Volo?
The average cost of solar panels in Volo is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Volo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.