Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Moline, IL (2024 Update)

  • East Moline Solar Installation Cost: $16,986
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,666
  • Payback Period: 20.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Moline

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in East Moline.

In East Moline, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $16,986 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average East Moline homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in East Moline can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in East Moline that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in East Moline

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,040
3 years $-14,148
5 years $-12,256
7 years $-10,363
9 years $-8,471
11 years $-6,579
13 years $-4,687
15 years $-2,795
17 years $-903
19 years $989
21 years $2,881
23 years $4,773
25 years $6,666

Top Solar Installers in East Moline

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 East Moline

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Moline

There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,760. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in East Moline provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in East Moline, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

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 $2,497 21.7 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $3,751 21.3 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $5,215 20.9 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $6,890 20.4 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $8,775 20.0 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $10,871 19.6 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $13,177 19.2 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $15,694 18.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's East Moline, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Moline?

The average cost of solar panels in East Moline 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Moline?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in East Moline is currently $133,742, so you can expect a value of about $5,483 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Moline is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 cover 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.

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