Solar Panel Cost Guide in Drummer, IL (2024 Update)
- Drummer Solar Installation Cost: $16,780
- 25-Year Savings: $13,094
- Payback Period: 16.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Drummer
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Drummer.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Drummer typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Drummer, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,780, or $23,995 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Drummer find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Drummer that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Drummer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,930 |
| 3 years | $-14,228 |
| 5 years | $-12,527 |
| 7 years | $-10,826 |
| 9 years | $-9,125 |
| 11 years | $-7,423 |
| 13 years | $-5,722 |
| 15 years | $-4,021 |
| 17 years | $-2,319 |
| 19 years | $-618 |
| 21 years | $1,083 |
| 23 years | $2,784 |
| 25 years | $4,486 |
Top Solar Installers in Drummer
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Drummer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Drummer
Although the average cost of a solar system in Drummer is $16,780, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this 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 available from most installers in Drummer, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Drummer, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $7,364 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,240 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,327 | 16.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,624 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $20,132 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $23,850 | 15.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $27,778 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $31,918 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Drummer, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Drummer?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Drummer?
Solar panels aren’t free in Drummer, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Drummer have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.