Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, IL (2024 Update)
- Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $16,374
- 25-Year Savings: $12,991
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglas
See how much it might cost to go solar in Douglas.
In Douglas, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Douglas, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,374, or $23,415 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Douglas find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Douglas, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Douglas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,523 |
| 3 years | $-13,822 |
| 5 years | $-12,120 |
| 7 years | $-10,419 |
| 9 years | $-8,718 |
| 11 years | $-7,017 |
| 13 years | $-5,315 |
| 15 years | $-3,614 |
| 17 years | $-1,913 |
| 19 years | $-211 |
| 21 years | $1,490 |
| 23 years | $3,191 |
| 25 years | $4,892 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglas
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Douglas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglas
Although the average cost of a solar system in Douglas is $16,374, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Douglas, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Douglas to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Douglas’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,572 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,517 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,673 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $17,039 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $20,616 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $24,403 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $28,401 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $32,610 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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:
- 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: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Douglas, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Douglas?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglas 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 it worth going solar in Douglas?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.