Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watson, IL (2023 Update)
- Watson Solar Installation Cost: $11,886
- 25-Year Savings: $12,381
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watson
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Watson.
The average cost of solar panels in Watson is 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Watson, the average price of going solar will be about $11,886 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Watson see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Watson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Watson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,916 |
| 3 years | $-8,974 |
| 5 years | $-7,033 |
| 7 years | $-5,091 |
| 9 years | $-3,150 |
| 11 years | $-1,209 |
| 13 years | $733 |
| 15 years | $2,674 |
| 17 years | $4,616 |
| 19 years | $6,557 |
| 21 years | $8,498 |
| 23 years | $10,440 |
| 25 years | $12,381 |
Top Solar Installers in Watson
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Watson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watson
The cost of installing a solar system in Watson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Watson, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Watson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Watson offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Watson's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,481 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,614 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $19,899 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $24,338 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $28,929 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $33,673 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $38,571 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $43,621 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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 opt for.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Watson, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watson?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $780.19 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Watson?
On average, solar panels can last 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.