Solar Panel Cost Guide in Granite City, IL (2024 Update)

  • Granite City Solar Installation Cost: $16,101
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,140
  • Payback Period: 20.3 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Granite City

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Granite City.

The average cost of solar panels in Granite City is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $16,101 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Granite City homeowner can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Granite City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,250
3 years $-13,549
5 years $-11,848
7 years $-10,147
9 years $-8,445
11 years $-6,744
13 years $-5,043
15 years $-3,341
17 years $-1,640
19 years $61
21 years $1,763
23 years $3,464
25 years $5,165

Top Solar Installers in Granite City

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Granite City, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Granite City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Granite City

Though the average cost of a solar system in Granite City is $16,101, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Granite City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Granite City, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 $3,026 21.1 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $4,456 20.7 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $6,096 20.3 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $7,947 19.9 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $10,008 19.5 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $12,280 19.1 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $14,763 18.7 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $17,456 18.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Granite City, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Granite City?

The average cost of solar panels in Granite City 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Granite City?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in Granite City?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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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