Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bethalto, IL (2024 Update)
- Bethalto Solar Installation Cost: $16,101
- 25-Year Savings: $10,565
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bethalto
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Bethalto.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bethalto, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bethalto is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,101 for a solar installation, or $23,024 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Bethalto homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bethalto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,250 |
| 3 years | $-13,549 |
| 5 years | $-11,848 |
| 7 years | $-10,147 |
| 9 years | $-8,445 |
| 11 years | $-6,744 |
| 13 years | $-5,043 |
| 15 years | $-3,341 |
| 17 years | $-1,640 |
| 19 years | $61 |
| 21 years | $1,763 |
| 23 years | $3,464 |
| 25 years | $5,165 |
Top Solar Installers in Bethalto
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Bethalto, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bethalto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bethalto
There are a number of factors 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 does the installation.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Bethalto.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Bethalto homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Bethalto’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $5,405 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,627 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,060 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,704 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,558 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,623 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,899 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,385 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Bethalto, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bethalto?
The average cost of solar panels in Bethalto 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Bethalto?
Solar panels aren’t free in Bethalto, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.