Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, IL (2023 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $10,528
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Warren.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Warren, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $12,078 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Warren find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Warren for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Warren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,928 |
| 3 years | $-8,615 |
| 5 years | $-6,303 |
| 7 years | $-3,990 |
| 9 years | $-1,678 |
| 11 years | $634 |
| 13 years | $2,947 |
| 15 years | $5,259 |
| 17 years | $7,571 |
| 19 years | $9,884 |
| 21 years | $12,196 |
| 23 years | $14,508 |
| 25 years | $16,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Warren
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Warren, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
For many Warren homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Warren, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Warren average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Warren provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Warren homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Warren have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,531 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,014 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,649 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,438 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,379 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,473 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,721 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $37,121 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Warren, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Warren, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Warren?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Warren?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Warren?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.