Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Lincoln, IL (2024 Update)
- West Lincoln Solar Installation Cost: $16,651
- 25-Year Savings: $11,114
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Lincoln
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Lincoln.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Lincoln, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average West Lincoln homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,651 with the federal tax credit, or $23,811 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in West Lincoln, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Lincoln
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,800 |
| 3 years | $-14,099 |
| 5 years | $-12,397 |
| 7 years | $-10,696 |
| 9 years | $-8,995 |
| 11 years | $-7,293 |
| 13 years | $-5,592 |
| 15 years | $-3,891 |
| 17 years | $-2,190 |
| 19 years | $-488 |
| 21 years | $1,213 |
| 23 years | $2,914 |
| 25 years | $4,616 |
Top Solar Installers in West Lincoln
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in West Lincoln, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 West Lincoln
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Lincoln
The cost of installing a solar system in West Lincoln can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Lincoln, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in West Lincoln, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in West Lincoln are more knowledgeable 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 end up saving you 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 | $5,583 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,865 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,358 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $13,061 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,975 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $19,099 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,434 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,979 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in West Lincoln, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Lincoln, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Lincoln?
The average cost of solar panels in West Lincoln is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Lincoln?
You can’t get solar panels for free in West Lincoln. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does West Lincoln have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.