Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fulton, IL (2025 Update)
- Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $17,039
- 25-Year Savings: $15,756
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fulton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fulton.
The average cost of solar panels in Fulton is 4 per watt.The average Fulton homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,039 with the federal tax credit, or $24,366 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Fulton depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Fulton can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Fulton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fulton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,882 |
| 3 years | $-13,570 |
| 5 years | $-11,258 |
| 7 years | $-8,945 |
| 9 years | $-6,633 |
| 11 years | $-4,321 |
| 13 years | $-2,008 |
| 15 years | $304 |
| 17 years | $2,616 |
| 19 years | $4,929 |
| 21 years | $7,241 |
| 23 years | $9,554 |
| 25 years | $11,866 |
Top Solar Installers in Fulton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fulton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fulton
The cost of installing a solar system in Fulton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fulton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fulton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,645 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,282 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,129 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $21,186 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $25,454 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $29,932 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $34,621 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $39,521 | 13.6 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Fulton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fulton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fulton?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fulton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fulton?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.