Solar Panel Cost Guide in Metropolis, IL (2024 Update)
- Metropolis Solar Installation Cost: $15,829
- 25-Year Savings: $11,647
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Metropolis
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Metropolis.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Metropolis, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $15,829 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Metropolis, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Metropolis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,979 |
| 3 years | $-13,277 |
| 5 years | $-11,576 |
| 7 years | $-9,875 |
| 9 years | $-8,174 |
| 11 years | $-6,472 |
| 13 years | $-4,771 |
| 15 years | $-3,070 |
| 17 years | $-1,368 |
| 19 years | $333 |
| 21 years | $2,034 |
| 23 years | $3,735 |
| 25 years | $5,437 |
Top Solar Installers in Metropolis
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Metropolis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Metropolis
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Metropolis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Metropolis, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Metropolis homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Metropolis homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Metropolis’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Metropolis know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $6,662 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,303 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,155 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $15,218 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $18,491 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,975 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $25,670 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $29,575 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system 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: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high 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.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Metropolis, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Metropolis?
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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 home 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.