Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitmore, IL (2024 Update)
- Whitmore Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
- 25-Year Savings: $16,036
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitmore
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Whitmore.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Whitmore generally cost around 4.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Whitmore, the average price of going solar will be about $16,565 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Whitmore based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Whitmore homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitmore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,715 |
| 3 years | $-14,013 |
| 5 years | $-12,312 |
| 7 years | $-10,611 |
| 9 years | $-8,910 |
| 11 years | $-7,208 |
| 13 years | $-5,507 |
| 15 years | $-3,806 |
| 17 years | $-2,104 |
| 19 years | $-403 |
| 21 years | $1,298 |
| 23 years | $2,999 |
| 25 years | $4,701 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitmore
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Whitmore, optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Whitmore, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Whitmore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitmore
For many Whitmore homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Whitmore, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 around $3,760 per kilowatt in Whitmore.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Whitmore’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,329 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $14,193 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $18,268 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $22,553 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $27,049 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $31,756 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $36,673 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $41,800 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Whitmore, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitmore?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitmore is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Whitmore?
Solar panels aren’t free in Whitmore, 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.
Does Whitmore have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Whitmore?
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 after having 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.