Solar Panel Cost Guide in Capital, IL (2024 Update)
- Capital Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
- 25-Year Savings: $14,630
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Capital
See how much it might cost to go solar in Capital.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Capital typically cost around 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Capital, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,461, or $23,539 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Capital can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Capital for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Capital
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,500 |
| 3 years | $-13,579 |
| 5 years | $-11,658 |
| 7 years | $-9,736 |
| 9 years | $-7,815 |
| 11 years | $-5,894 |
| 13 years | $-3,972 |
| 15 years | $-2,051 |
| 17 years | $-130 |
| 19 years | $1,792 |
| 21 years | $3,713 |
| 23 years | $5,634 |
| 25 years | $7,556 |
Top Solar Installers in Capital
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Capital, we've put together 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 Capital
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Capital
For many Capital homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Capital, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Capital, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Capital’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Capital know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $9,077 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,524 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $16,182 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $20,050 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $24,128 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $28,417 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $32,917 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $37,627 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Capital, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Capital?
The average cost of solar panels in Capital 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Capital?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Capital, 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 you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $850.03 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.