Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Zion, IL (2024 Update)

  • Mount Zion Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,977
  • Payback Period: 14.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Zion

We break down average solar pricing in Mount Zion.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mount Zion typically cost around 4.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mount Zion, the average price of going solar will be about $16,565 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Mount Zion that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Mount Zion

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 Mount Zion

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Mount Zion

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Zion

The cost of installing a solar system in Mount Zion can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Mount Zion, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Mount Zion’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 $10,273 15.4 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $14,118 15.1 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $18,174 14.8 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $22,441 14.5 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $26,918 14.2 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $31,605 13.9 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $36,504 13.6 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $41,612 13.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Mount Zion, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Mount Zion, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Zion?

The average cost of solar panels in Mount Zion is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going 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 power bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Mount Zion, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.

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