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

  • South Ottawa Solar Installation Cost: $16,938
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,127
  • Payback Period: 18.1 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 Ottawa

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in South Ottawa.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Ottawa typically cost around 4.Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in South Ottawa, the average price of going solar will be about $16,938 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Ottawa homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average South Ottawa homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in South Ottawa

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,782
3 years $-13,469
5 years $-11,157
7 years $-8,845
9 years $-6,532
11 years $-4,220
13 years $-1,908
15 years $405
17 years $2,717
19 years $5,029
21 years $7,342
23 years $9,654
25 years $11,966

Top Solar Installers in South Ottawa

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in South Ottawa:

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 Ottawa

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Ottawa

Although the average cost of a solar system in South Ottawa is $16,938, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in South Ottawa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in South Ottawa provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in South Ottawa is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 $5,417 18.8 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $7,643 18.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $10,081 18.1 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $12,728 17.7 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $15,587 17.4 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $18,656 17.0 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $21,935 16.6 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $25,425 16.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power 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 how long the project will take.

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 Ottawa, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Ottawa?

The average cost of solar panels in South Ottawa is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Ottawa?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $728.01 per year.

How long do solar panels last in South Ottawa?

On average, solar panels can last 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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