Solar Panel Cost Guide in Murphysboro, IL (2024 Update)
- Murphysboro Solar Installation Cost: $15,971
- 25-Year Savings: $12,222
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Murphysboro
We go over average solar pricing in Murphysboro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Murphysboro, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Murphysboro, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,971, or $22,839 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Murphysboro homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Murphysboro for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Murphysboro
| 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 Murphysboro
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Murphysboro, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Murphysboro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Murphysboro
For many Murphysboro homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Murphysboro, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,760. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Murphysboro, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Murphysboro to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Murphysboro homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Murphysboro’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 has 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 | $7,127 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,924 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,931 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,149 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $19,578 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $23,217 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $27,067 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $31,127 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Murphysboro, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Murphysboro?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Murphysboro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Murphysboro?
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 amount 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.