Solar Panel Cost Guide in Warren, IL (2024 Update)
- Warren Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
- 25-Year Savings: $10,528
- Payback Period: 18.4 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Warren
We go over average solar pricing in Warren.
The average cost of solar panels in Warren is 4 per watt.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Warren, the average price of going solar will be about $16,643 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Warren homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Warren that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Warren
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 Warren
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Warren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Warren
Though the average cost of a solar system in Warren is $16,643, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Warren, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Warren, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Warren?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Warren?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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.
Does Warren have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.