Solar Panel Cost Guide in Makanda, IL (2024 Update)
- Makanda Solar Installation Cost: $15,971
- 25-Year Savings: $14,870
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Makanda
See how much it might cost to go solar in Makanda.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Makanda, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $15,971 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Makanda can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Makanda that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Makanda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,121 |
| 3 years | $-13,420 |
| 5 years | $-11,718 |
| 7 years | $-10,017 |
| 9 years | $-8,316 |
| 11 years | $-6,614 |
| 13 years | $-4,913 |
| 15 years | $-3,212 |
| 17 years | $-1,511 |
| 19 years | $191 |
| 21 years | $1,892 |
| 23 years | $3,593 |
| 25 years | $5,295 |
Top Solar Installers in Makanda
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are various 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 Makanda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Makanda
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Makanda is $15,971, your actual cost may differ. There are several 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 keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Makanda, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Makanda homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,745 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,414 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,294 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $21,385 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $25,686 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $30,197 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $34,920 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $39,852 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Makanda, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project 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 Makanda, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Makanda?
The average cost of solar panels in Makanda is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Makanda?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Makanda. 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.