Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caledonia, IL (2024 Update)
- Caledonia Solar Installation Cost: $17,201
- 25-Year Savings: $12,123
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caledonia
We break down average solar pricing in Caledonia.
In Caledonia, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Caledonia, the average price of going solar will be about $17,201 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Caledonia find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Caledonia for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Caledonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,045 |
| 3 years | $-13,733 |
| 5 years | $-11,421 |
| 7 years | $-9,108 |
| 9 years | $-6,796 |
| 11 years | $-4,484 |
| 13 years | $-2,171 |
| 15 years | $141 |
| 17 years | $2,454 |
| 19 years | $4,766 |
| 21 years | $7,078 |
| 23 years | $9,391 |
| 25 years | $11,703 |
Top Solar Installers in Caledonia
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Caledonia, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Caledonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caledonia
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Caledonia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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 time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Caledonia homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Caledonia is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $6,172 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,650 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $11,339 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $14,239 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $17,349 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $20,669 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $24,200 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $27,942 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Caledonia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Caledonia, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Caledonia?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Caledonia?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Caledonia?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.