Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mascoutah, IL (2024 Update)
- Mascoutah Solar Installation Cost: $16,000
- 25-Year Savings: $14,091
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mascoutah
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mascoutah.
The average cost of solar panels in Mascoutah is 4 per watt.The average Mascoutah homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,000 with the federal tax credit, or $22,880 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Mascoutah homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mascoutah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,149 |
| 3 years | $-13,448 |
| 5 years | $-11,746 |
| 7 years | $-10,045 |
| 9 years | $-8,344 |
| 11 years | $-6,643 |
| 13 years | $-4,941 |
| 15 years | $-3,240 |
| 17 years | $-1,539 |
| 19 years | $163 |
| 21 years | $1,864 |
| 23 years | $3,565 |
| 25 years | $5,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Mascoutah
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Mascoutah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mascoutah
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Mascoutah: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mascoutah, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mascoutah, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $8,950 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,354 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,969 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $19,795 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $23,831 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $28,078 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $32,535 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $37,203 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Mascoutah, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mascoutah?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mascoutah?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mascoutah?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels should I get 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 usually 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.