Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plato, IL (2024 Update)

  • Plato Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,391
  • Payback Period: 18.0 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 Plato

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Plato.

In Plato, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Plato homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,188 with the federal tax credit, or $24,579 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Plato depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Plato for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Plato

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,032
3 years $-13,719
5 years $-11,407
7 years $-9,094
9 years $-6,782
11 years $-4,470
13 years $-2,157
15 years $155
17 years $2,467
19 years $4,780
21 years $7,092
23 years $9,404
25 years $11,717

Top Solar Installers in Plato

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Plato, optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Plato

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plato

There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,760. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Plato, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

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 Plato, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Plato’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Plato know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $5,508 18.7 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $7,766 18.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $10,233 18.0 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $12,912 17.6 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $15,801 17.3 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $18,900 16.9 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $22,210 16.6 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $25,731 16.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Plato, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plato?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Plato?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Plato. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Plato?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Plato?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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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