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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Lincoln it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Lincoln is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,651 for a solar installation, or $23,811 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in West Lincoln that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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 on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are several 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
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
For many West Lincoln homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to 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 several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in West Lincoln.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Lincoln provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Lincoln, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Lincoln?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in West Lincoln?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.