Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Frankfort, IL (2023 Update)
- West Frankfort Solar Installation Cost: $11,619
- 25-Year Savings: $11,754
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Frankfort
We break down average solar pricing in West Frankfort.
In West Frankfort, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,619 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Frankfort can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Frankfort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,684 |
| 3 years | $-8,814 |
| 5 years | $-6,944 |
| 7 years | $-5,075 |
| 9 years | $-3,205 |
| 11 years | $-1,335 |
| 13 years | $535 |
| 15 years | $2,405 |
| 17 years | $4,274 |
| 19 years | $6,144 |
| 21 years | $8,014 |
| 23 years | $9,884 |
| 25 years | $11,754 |
Top Solar Installers in West Frankfort
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 West Frankfort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Frankfort
For many West Frankfort homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Frankfort, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in West Frankfort, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Frankfort average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many West Frankfort homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating 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 opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Frankfort, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see 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 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $11,159 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,184 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $19,363 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $23,694 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $28,178 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $32,815 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $37,604 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $42,547 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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, including:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 West Frankfort, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Frankfort?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Frankfort?
A solar panel system isn't free in West Frankfort, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in West Frankfort?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Frankfort?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.
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.