Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freeburg, IL (2024 Update)
- Freeburg Solar Installation Cost: $16,000
- 25-Year Savings: $14,088
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Freeburg
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Freeburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Freeburg, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $16,000 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Freeburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Freeburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,149 |
| 3 years | $-13,448 |
| 5 years | $-11,746 |
| 7 years | $-10,045 |
| 9 years | $-8,344 |
| 11 years | $-6,643 |
| 13 years | $-4,941 |
| 15 years | $-3,240 |
| 17 years | $-1,539 |
| 19 years | $163 |
| 21 years | $1,864 |
| 23 years | $3,565 |
| 25 years | $5,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Freeburg
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Freeburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freeburg
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,760. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Freeburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Freeburg homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $8,947 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,351 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,965 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $19,789 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $23,824 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $28,070 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $32,526 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $37,193 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Freeburg, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Freeburg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Freeburg?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Freeburg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Freeburg?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.