Solar Panel Cost Guide in Normal, IL (2024 Update)
- Normal Solar Installation Cost: $16,692
- 25-Year Savings: $11,096
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Normal
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Normal.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Normal, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Normal, the average price of going solar will be about $16,692 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Normal find going solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Normal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,842 |
| 3 years | $-14,140 |
| 5 years | $-12,439 |
| 7 years | $-10,738 |
| 9 years | $-9,036 |
| 11 years | $-7,335 |
| 13 years | $-5,634 |
| 15 years | $-3,933 |
| 17 years | $-2,231 |
| 19 years | $-530 |
| 21 years | $1,171 |
| 23 years | $2,873 |
| 25 years | $4,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Normal
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Normal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Normal
The cost of installing a solar system in Normal can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Normal, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 Normal homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Normal, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $5,540 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,807 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,286 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,975 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,874 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,984 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,304 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,836 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Normal, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Normal, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Normal?
This is a hard 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Normal?
Solar panels aren’t free in Normal, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Normal is currently $231,808, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,504 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Normal is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Normal?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.