Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Creek, IL (2024 Update)
- Long Creek Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
- 25-Year Savings: $16,956
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Creek
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Long Creek.
In Long Creek, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $16,565 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Long Creek can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Long Creek that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Long Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,715 |
| 3 years | $-14,013 |
| 5 years | $-12,312 |
| 7 years | $-10,611 |
| 9 years | $-8,910 |
| 11 years | $-7,208 |
| 13 years | $-5,507 |
| 15 years | $-3,806 |
| 17 years | $-2,104 |
| 19 years | $-403 |
| 21 years | $1,298 |
| 23 years | $2,999 |
| 25 years | $4,701 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Creek
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Long Creek, optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Long Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Creek
Though the average cost of a solar system in Long Creek is $16,565, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $3,760. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Long Creek average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Long Creek offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.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’re only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Long Creek, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to 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 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 | $11,207 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $15,363 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $19,731 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $24,309 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $29,097 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $34,096 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $39,305 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $44,725 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Long Creek, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Creek?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $921.01 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.