Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fondulac, IL (2024 Update)

  • Fondulac Solar Installation Cost: $16,749
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,669
  • Payback Period: 21.1 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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fondulac

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Fondulac.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fondulac typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fondulac, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,749, or $23,951 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Fondulac

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,898
3 years $-14,197
5 years $-12,496
7 years $-10,795
9 years $-9,093
11 years $-7,392
13 years $-5,691
15 years $-3,989
17 years $-2,288
19 years $-587
21 years $1,115
23 years $2,816
25 years $4,517

Top Solar Installers in Fondulac

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Fondulac

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fondulac

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Fondulac: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Fondulac, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fondulac to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fondulac, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 $2,273 22.0 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $3,452 21.5 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $4,842 21.1 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $6,442 20.7 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $8,252 20.3 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $10,273 19.8 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $12,505 19.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $14,947 19.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.

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 Fondulac, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fondulac?

The average cost of solar panels in Fondulac 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Fondulac?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Fondulac, 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 can help lower the cost.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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