Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Lincoln, IL (2023 Update)
- West Lincoln Solar Installation Cost: $12,089
- 25-Year Savings: $11,114
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Lincoln
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in West Lincoln.
The average cost of a solar system in West Lincoln is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Lincoln, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,097, or $17,299 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Lincoln homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average West Lincoln homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in West Lincoln for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Lincoln
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,239 |
| 3 years | $-9,537 |
| 5 years | $-7,836 |
| 7 years | $-6,135 |
| 9 years | $-4,434 |
| 11 years | $-2,732 |
| 13 years | $-1,031 |
| 15 years | $670 |
| 17 years | $2,372 |
| 19 years | $4,073 |
| 21 years | $5,774 |
| 23 years | $7,476 |
| 25 years | $9,177 |
Top Solar Installers in West Lincoln
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in West Lincoln
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Lincoln
For many West Lincoln homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Lincoln, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Lincoln, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Lincoln have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Lincoln, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $10,082 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,748 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,568 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,540 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,665 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,943 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,374 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,957 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Though 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.