Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Moline, IL (2024 Update)

  • South Moline Solar Installation Cost: $16,986
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,454
  • Payback Period: 21.5 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 South Moline

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in South Moline.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Moline it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Moline is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,986 for a solar installation, or $24,290 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Moline homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in South Moline can save around $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in South Moline

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,145
3 years $-14,463
5 years $-12,781
7 years $-11,099
9 years $-9,417
11 years $-7,735
13 years $-6,053
15 years $-4,371
17 years $-2,689
19 years $-1,007
21 years $675
23 years $2,357
25 years $4,039

Top Solar Installers in South Moline

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in South Moline, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 South Moline

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Moline

The cost of installing a solar system in South Moline can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Moline, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 installers in South Moline provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Moline is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $1,972 22.3 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $3,051 21.9 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $4,340 21.5 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $5,839 21.0 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $7,549 20.6 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $9,470 20.2 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $11,602 19.7 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $13,943 19.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in South Moline, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 South Moline, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Moline?

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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in South Moline?

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

Is it worth going solar in South Moline?

Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

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 the amount of 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 account for 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.

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