Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carterville, IL (2024 Update)
- Carterville Solar Installation Cost: $15,943
- 25-Year Savings: $12,243
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carterville
We go over average solar pricing in Carterville.
In Carterville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $15,943 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Carterville depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carterville find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Carterville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,092 |
| 3 years | $-13,391 |
| 5 years | $-11,689 |
| 7 years | $-9,988 |
| 9 years | $-8,287 |
| 11 years | $-6,586 |
| 13 years | $-4,884 |
| 15 years | $-3,183 |
| 17 years | $-1,482 |
| 19 years | $220 |
| 21 years | $1,921 |
| 23 years | $3,622 |
| 25 years | $5,323 |
Top Solar Installers in Carterville
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Carterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carterville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Carterville is $15,943, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,760. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Carterville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 | $7,170 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,981 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,002 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,234 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $19,677 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $23,330 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $27,194 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $31,268 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Carterville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carterville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carterville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Carterville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.