Solar Panel Cost Guide in Harter, IL (2024 Update)
- Harter Solar Installation Cost: $16,289
- 25-Year Savings: $14,207
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Harter
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Harter.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Harter generally cost about 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Harter, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,289, or $23,293 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Harter find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Harter, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Harter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,438 |
| 3 years | $-13,737 |
| 5 years | $-12,036 |
| 7 years | $-10,334 |
| 9 years | $-8,633 |
| 11 years | $-6,932 |
| 13 years | $-5,230 |
| 15 years | $-3,529 |
| 17 years | $-1,828 |
| 19 years | $-127 |
| 21 years | $1,575 |
| 23 years | $3,276 |
| 25 years | $4,977 |
Top Solar Installers in Harter
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Harter:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Harter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Harter
Though the average cost of a solar system in Harter is $16,289, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential 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 variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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 brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Harter to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Harter’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $8,816 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,176 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,746 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $19,527 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $23,519 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $27,721 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $32,133 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $36,757 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall 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, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Harter, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Harter?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Harter, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.