Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watseka, IL (2024 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.
The average cost of solar panels in Watseka is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Watseka, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,796, or $24,018 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Watseka homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Watseka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watseka
For many Watseka homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Watseka, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Watseka.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Watseka, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Watseka have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Watseka, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Watseka know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $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
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Watseka, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Watseka, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watseka?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Watseka?
Solar panels aren’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 can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Watseka?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Watseka?
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 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.