Solar Panel Cost Guide in Green Garden, IL (2024 Update)
- Green Garden Solar Installation Cost: $16,997
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Green Garden
We break down average solar pricing in Green Garden.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Green Garden it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Green Garden, the average price of going solar will be about $16,997 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Green Garden homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Green Garden find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Green Garden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,841 |
| 3 years | $-13,529 |
| 5 years | $-11,216 |
| 7 years | $-8,904 |
| 9 years | $-6,592 |
| 11 years | $-4,279 |
| 13 years | $-1,967 |
| 15 years | $345 |
| 17 years | $2,658 |
| 19 years | $4,970 |
| 21 years | $7,282 |
| 23 years | $9,595 |
| 25 years | $11,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Green Garden
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Green Garden, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Green Garden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Green Garden
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Green Garden: 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 size of the solar system you need, 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 brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Green Garden homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Green Garden, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $4,584 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,534 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,694 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,064 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,645 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,436 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,438 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,651 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total 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 consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Green Garden, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Green Garden?
The average cost of solar panels in Green Garden 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 type 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 Green Garden?
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Green Garden?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.