Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watseka, IL (2023 Update)
- Watseka Solar Installation Cost: $12,192
- 25-Year Savings: $13,085
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watseka
We go over average solar pricing in Watseka.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Watseka, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Watseka is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,192 for a solar installation, or $17,435 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Watseka can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Watseka for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Watseka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,181 |
| 3 years | $-9,159 |
| 5 years | $-7,137 |
| 7 years | $-5,115 |
| 9 years | $-3,092 |
| 11 years | $-1,070 |
| 13 years | $952 |
| 15 years | $2,974 |
| 17 years | $4,996 |
| 19 years | $7,019 |
| 21 years | $9,041 |
| 23 years | $11,063 |
| 25 years | $13,085 |
Top Solar Installers in Watseka
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Watseka, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Watseka, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Watseka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watseka
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Watseka: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at 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 power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Watseka homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,841 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $16,094 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,500 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $25,059 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $29,770 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $34,635 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $39,652 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $44,822 | 10.9 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:
- 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 what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Watseka, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watseka?
The average cost of solar panels in Watseka is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Watseka?
A solar panel system isn't free in Watseka, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Watseka, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.