Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chillicothe, IL (2024 Update)
- Chillicothe Solar Installation Cost: $16,798
- 25-Year Savings: $7,634
- Payback Period: 21.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chillicothe
We go over average solar pricing in Chillicothe.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chillicothe it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Chillicothe, the average price of going solar will be about $16,798 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Chillicothe depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Chillicothe see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Chillicothe that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chillicothe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,947 |
| 3 years | $-14,246 |
| 5 years | $-12,545 |
| 7 years | $-10,844 |
| 9 years | $-9,142 |
| 11 years | $-7,441 |
| 13 years | $-5,740 |
| 15 years | $-4,038 |
| 17 years | $-2,337 |
| 19 years | $-636 |
| 21 years | $1,065 |
| 23 years | $2,767 |
| 25 years | $4,468 |
Top Solar Installers in Chillicothe
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Chillicothe, 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Chillicothe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chillicothe
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Chillicothe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $3,760. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Chillicothe, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chillicothe, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Chillicothe’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better 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 discount 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 | $2,219 | 22.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $3,379 | 21.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $4,751 | 21.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $6,332 | 20.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $8,125 | 20.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $10,128 | 19.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $12,341 | 19.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $14,765 | 19.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chillicothe, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chillicothe?
The average cost of solar panels in Chillicothe 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.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.