Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watseka, IL (2025 Update)
- Watseka Solar Installation Cost: $16,796
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watseka
We break down average solar pricing in Watseka.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Watseka generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Watseka, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,796, or $24,018 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watseka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,945 |
| 3 years | $-14,244 |
| 5 years | $-12,543 |
| 7 years | $-10,841 |
| 9 years | $-9,140 |
| 11 years | $-7,439 |
| 13 years | $-5,738 |
| 15 years | $-4,036 |
| 17 years | $-2,335 |
| 19 years | $-634 |
| 21 years | $1,068 |
| 23 years | $2,769 |
| 25 years | $4,470 |
Top Solar Installers in Watseka
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Watseka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watseka
The cost of installing a solar system in Watseka 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 household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,760. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Watseka to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Watseka, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 | $7,342 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,211 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,290 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,580 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $20,080 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $23,791 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $27,712 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $31,844 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 $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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Watseka?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Watseka, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Watseka 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 utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.