Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlinville, IL (2024 Update)

  • Carlinville Solar Installation Cost: $16,257
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,157
  • Payback Period: 14.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlinville

We go over average solar pricing in Carlinville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carlinville it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $16,257 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Carlinville see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Carlinville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Carlinville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,407
3 years $-13,705
5 years $-12,004
7 years $-10,303
9 years $-8,601
11 years $-6,900
13 years $-5,199
15 years $-3,497
17 years $-1,796
19 years $-95
21 years $1,606
23 years $3,308
25 years $5,009

Top Solar Installers in Carlinville

When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Carlinville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlinville

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Carlinville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

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 around $3,760 per kilowatt in Carlinville.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Carlinville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Carlinville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 $10,737 15.1 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $14,737 14.8 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $18,947 14.5 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $23,369 14.2 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $28,000 14.0 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $32,843 13.7 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $37,895 13.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $43,159 13.1 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:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Carlinville, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carlinville?

The average cost of solar panels in Carlinville 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Carlinville?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Carlinville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 Carlinville?

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.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.

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