Solar Panel Cost Guide in Litchfield, IL (2024 Update)
- Litchfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,306
- 25-Year Savings: $18,049
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Litchfield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Litchfield.
In Litchfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Litchfield is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,306 for a solar installation, or $23,318 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Litchfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Litchfield can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Litchfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Litchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,455 |
| 3 years | $-13,754 |
| 5 years | $-12,053 |
| 7 years | $-10,352 |
| 9 years | $-8,650 |
| 11 years | $-6,949 |
| 13 years | $-5,248 |
| 15 years | $-3,546 |
| 17 years | $-1,845 |
| 19 years | $-144 |
| 21 years | $1,557 |
| 23 years | $3,259 |
| 25 years | $4,960 |
Top Solar Installers in Litchfield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Litchfield:
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 Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Litchfield
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Litchfield homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $12,522 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $17,117 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $21,923 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $26,939 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $32,166 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $37,603 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $43,251 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $49,110 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 Litchfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Litchfield?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Litchfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Litchfield?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.