Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardner, IL (2024 Update)
- Gardner Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
- 25-Year Savings: $15,946
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardner
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gardner.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gardner, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Gardner, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,461, or $23,539 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Gardner see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gardner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,610 |
| 3 years | $-13,909 |
| 5 years | $-12,208 |
| 7 years | $-10,506 |
| 9 years | $-8,805 |
| 11 years | $-7,104 |
| 13 years | $-5,402 |
| 15 years | $-3,701 |
| 17 years | $-2,000 |
| 19 years | $-299 |
| 21 years | $1,403 |
| 23 years | $3,104 |
| 25 years | $4,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardner
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Gardner:
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 Gardner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardner
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Gardner: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gardner, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gardner is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 lower 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 | $10,340 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $14,207 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $18,286 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $22,574 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $27,074 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $31,784 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $36,704 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $41,835 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with 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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Gardner, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardner?
The average cost of solar panels in Gardner 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gardner?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Gardner. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Gardner, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need 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 generally 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.