Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paris, IL (2024 Update)
- Paris Solar Installation Cost: $16,574
- 25-Year Savings: $7,797
- Payback Period: 20.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paris
We go over average solar pricing in Paris.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Paris is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Paris, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,574, or $23,701 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Paris homeowner can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Paris, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paris
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,723 |
| 3 years | $-14,022 |
| 5 years | $-12,320 |
| 7 years | $-10,619 |
| 9 years | $-8,918 |
| 11 years | $-7,217 |
| 13 years | $-5,515 |
| 15 years | $-3,814 |
| 17 years | $-2,113 |
| 19 years | $-411 |
| 21 years | $1,290 |
| 23 years | $2,991 |
| 25 years | $4,692 |
Top Solar Installers in Paris
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Paris, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Paris
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paris
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Paris: 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Paris.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Paris, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Most solar companies in Paris provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Paris homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Paris, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2,471 | 21.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $3,716 | 21.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $5,171 | 20.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $6,837 | 20.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $8,714 | 20.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $10,801 | 19.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $13,099 | 19.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $15,607 | 18.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Paris, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Paris, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Paris?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Paris?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Paris?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.