Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mackinaw, IL (2024 Update)
- Mackinaw Solar Installation Cost: $16,749
- 25-Year Savings: $10,773
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mackinaw
We go over average solar pricing in Mackinaw.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Mackinaw is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Mackinaw is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,749 for a solar installation, or $23,951 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 Mackinaw 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 typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mackinaw find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mackinaw
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,898 |
| 3 years | $-14,197 |
| 5 years | $-12,496 |
| 7 years | $-10,795 |
| 9 years | $-9,093 |
| 11 years | $-7,392 |
| 13 years | $-5,691 |
| 15 years | $-3,989 |
| 17 years | $-2,288 |
| 19 years | $-587 |
| 21 years | $1,115 |
| 23 years | $2,816 |
| 25 years | $4,517 |
Top Solar Installers in Mackinaw
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Mackinaw, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Mackinaw
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mackinaw
For many Mackinaw homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mackinaw, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mackinaw, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Mackinaw provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mackinaw is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $5,199 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,353 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,718 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,294 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,080 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,076 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,283 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,701 | 16.4 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 picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully 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 what services you can expect from them.
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 Mackinaw, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mackinaw?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mackinaw, 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 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.