Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitmore, IL (2023 Update)
- Whitmore Solar Installation Cost: $12,020
- 25-Year Savings: $16,043
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitmore
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Whitmore.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whitmore it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $12,020 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Whitmore can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Whitmore for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Whitmore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,898 |
| 3 years | $-8,653 |
| 5 years | $-6,408 |
| 7 years | $-4,162 |
| 9 years | $-1,917 |
| 11 years | $328 |
| 13 years | $2,573 |
| 15 years | $4,818 |
| 17 years | $7,063 |
| 19 years | $9,308 |
| 21 years | $11,553 |
| 23 years | $13,798 |
| 25 years | $16,043 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitmore
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
There are a number of criteria that can influence 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Whitmore. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Whitmore average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Whitmore offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Whitmore's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $14,828 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $20,077 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $25,478 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $31,032 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $36,740 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $42,600 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $48,612 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $54,778 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Whitmore, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Whitmore, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Whitmore?
Although 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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.