Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Frankfort, IL (2024 Update)
- West Frankfort Solar Installation Cost: $15,990
- 25-Year Savings: $11,763
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Frankfort
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Frankfort.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Frankfort, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Frankfort is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,990 for a solar installation, or $22,866 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in West Frankfort depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Frankfort find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Frankfort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,139 |
| 3 years | $-13,438 |
| 5 years | $-11,736 |
| 7 years | $-10,035 |
| 9 years | $-8,334 |
| 11 years | $-6,633 |
| 13 years | $-4,931 |
| 15 years | $-3,230 |
| 17 years | $-1,529 |
| 19 years | $173 |
| 21 years | $1,874 |
| 23 years | $3,575 |
| 25 years | $5,277 |
Top Solar Installers in West Frankfort
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 West Frankfort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Frankfort
There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in West Frankfort, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Frankfort, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in West Frankfort, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in West Frankfort are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $6,660 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,301 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,153 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $15,215 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $18,487 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,971 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $25,665 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $29,569 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 West Frankfort, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Frankfort?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, 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 affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Frankfort is currently $82,174, so you could be looking at a value of about $3,369 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Frankfort is a rewarding investment.
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 are completely unusable 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.