Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Wheatland, IL (2024 Update)
- South Wheatland Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
- 25-Year Savings: $15,839
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Wheatland
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in South Wheatland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Wheatland, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in South Wheatland, the average price of going solar will be about $16,565 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average South Wheatland homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in South Wheatland for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Wheatland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,715 |
| 3 years | $-14,013 |
| 5 years | $-12,312 |
| 7 years | $-10,611 |
| 9 years | $-8,910 |
| 11 years | $-7,208 |
| 13 years | $-5,507 |
| 15 years | $-3,806 |
| 17 years | $-2,104 |
| 19 years | $-403 |
| 21 years | $1,298 |
| 23 years | $2,999 |
| 25 years | $4,701 |
Top Solar Installers in South Wheatland
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in South Wheatland, optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 South Wheatland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Wheatland
There are many 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 Wheatland, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Wheatland to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in South Wheatland, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,141 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,943 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,955 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $22,178 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $26,611 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $31,255 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $36,109 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $41,174 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 South Wheatland, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Wheatland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in South Wheatland?
A solar panel system isn’t free in South Wheatland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.