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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlinville
We go over average solar pricing in Carlinville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Carlinville, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Carlinville is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,257 for a solar installation, or $23,248 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Carlinville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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 making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Carlinville, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Carlinville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlinville
For many Carlinville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carlinville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carlinville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Carlinville is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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 keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Carlinville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 actual cost will depend on stuff such as 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?
Solar panels aren’t free in Carlinville, 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 further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.