Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coal Valley, IL (2024 Update)
- Coal Valley Solar Installation Cost: $16,986
- 25-Year Savings: $7,454
- Payback Period: 21.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coal Valley
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Coal Valley.
In Coal Valley, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Coal Valley, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,986, or $24,290 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Coal Valley can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Coal Valley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Coal Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,145 |
| 3 years | $-14,463 |
| 5 years | $-12,781 |
| 7 years | $-11,099 |
| 9 years | $-9,417 |
| 11 years | $-7,735 |
| 13 years | $-6,053 |
| 15 years | $-4,371 |
| 17 years | $-2,689 |
| 19 years | $-1,007 |
| 21 years | $675 |
| 23 years | $2,357 |
| 25 years | $4,039 |
Top Solar Installers in Coal Valley
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Coal Valley, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Coal Valley:
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 Coal Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coal Valley
For many Coal Valley homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Coal Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Coal Valley average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor 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 factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Coal Valley is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice 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 specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $1,972 | 22.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $3,051 | 21.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $4,340 | 21.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $5,839 | 21.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $7,549 | 20.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $9,470 | 20.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $11,602 | 19.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $13,943 | 19.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total 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 take into account, including:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Coal Valley, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Coal Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Coal Valley 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Coal Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Coal Valley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.