Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pontiac, IL (2024 Update)
- Pontiac Solar Installation Cost: $16,775
- 25-Year Savings: $12,031
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pontiac
We go over average solar pricing in Pontiac.
The average cost of solar panels in Pontiac is 4 per watt.Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Pontiac, the average price of going solar will be about $16,775 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Pontiac homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pontiac that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pontiac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,619 |
| 3 years | $-13,307 |
| 5 years | $-10,994 |
| 7 years | $-8,682 |
| 9 years | $-6,370 |
| 11 years | $-4,057 |
| 13 years | $-1,745 |
| 15 years | $567 |
| 17 years | $2,880 |
| 19 years | $5,192 |
| 21 years | $7,505 |
| 23 years | $9,817 |
| 25 years | $12,129 |
Top Solar Installers in Pontiac
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
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 Pontiac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pontiac
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind 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 solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 go with the 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 | $6,368 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,912 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $11,666 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $14,631 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $17,807 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,193 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $24,789 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $28,597 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Pontiac, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Pontiac, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pontiac?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pontiac?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Pontiac. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.