Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilmington, IL (2025 Update)
- Wilmington Solar Installation Cost: $16,997
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilmington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Wilmington.
In Wilmington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Wilmington, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,997, or $24,306 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Wilmington can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wilmington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,841 |
| 3 years | $-13,529 |
| 5 years | $-11,216 |
| 7 years | $-8,904 |
| 9 years | $-6,592 |
| 11 years | $-4,279 |
| 13 years | $-1,967 |
| 15 years | $345 |
| 17 years | $2,658 |
| 19 years | $4,970 |
| 21 years | $7,282 |
| 23 years | $9,595 |
| 25 years | $11,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilmington
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Wilmington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilmington
Though the average cost of a solar system in Wilmington is $16,997, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Wilmington homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Wilmington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,584 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,534 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,694 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,064 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,645 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,436 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,438 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,651 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Wilmington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
EcoWatch's Wilmington, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilmington?
The average cost of solar panels in Wilmington 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wilmington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $700.27 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of 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.