Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carbondale, IL (2024 Update)
- Carbondale Solar Installation Cost: $15,971
- 25-Year Savings: $13,352
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carbondale
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Carbondale.
The average cost of a solar system in Carbondale is 4 per watt.Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Carbondale, the average price of going solar will be about $15,971 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Carbondale homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Carbondale for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carbondale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,121 |
| 3 years | $-13,420 |
| 5 years | $-11,718 |
| 7 years | $-10,017 |
| 9 years | $-8,316 |
| 11 years | $-6,614 |
| 13 years | $-4,913 |
| 15 years | $-3,212 |
| 17 years | $-1,511 |
| 19 years | $191 |
| 21 years | $1,892 |
| 23 years | $3,593 |
| 25 years | $5,295 |
Top Solar Installers in Carbondale
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another good thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Carbondale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carbondale
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Carbondale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Carbondale average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carbondale, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Carbondale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Carbondale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,244 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $11,413 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $14,793 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $18,383 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $22,184 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $26,195 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $30,417 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $34,850 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Carbondale, 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:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Carbondale, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carbondale?
The average cost of solar panels in Carbondale 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Carbondale?
Solar panels aren’t free in Carbondale, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Carbondale?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.