Solar Panel Cost Guide in Limestone, IL (2024 Update)
- Limestone Solar Installation Cost: $16,798
- 25-Year Savings: $4,468
- Payback Period: 21.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Limestone
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Limestone.
The average cost of a solar system in Limestone is 4 per watt.Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Limestone, the average price of going solar will be about $16,798 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Limestone based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Limestone find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Limestone for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Limestone
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,947 |
| 3 years | $-14,246 |
| 5 years | $-12,545 |
| 7 years | $-10,844 |
| 9 years | $-9,142 |
| 11 years | $-7,441 |
| 13 years | $-5,740 |
| 15 years | $-4,038 |
| 17 years | $-2,337 |
| 19 years | $-636 |
| 21 years | $1,065 |
| 23 years | $2,767 |
| 25 years | $4,468 |
Top Solar Installers in Limestone
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Limestone
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Limestone
The cost of installing a solar system in Limestone can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Limestone, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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 out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Limestone homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $2,219 | 22.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $3,379 | 21.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $4,751 | 21.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $6,332 | 20.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $8,125 | 20.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $10,128 | 19.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $12,341 | 19.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $14,765 | 19.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Limestone, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Limestone?
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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Limestone?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Limestone. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 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.