Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugar Creek, IL (2024 Update)
- Sugar Creek Solar Installation Cost: $16,112
- 25-Year Savings: $13,458
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugar Creek
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sugar Creek.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Sugar Creek is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sugar Creek is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,112 for a solar installation, or $23,040 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Sugar Creek based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Sugar Creek can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sugar Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,262 |
| 3 years | $-13,560 |
| 5 years | $-11,859 |
| 7 years | $-10,158 |
| 9 years | $-8,457 |
| 11 years | $-6,755 |
| 13 years | $-5,054 |
| 15 years | $-3,353 |
| 17 years | $-1,651 |
| 19 years | $50 |
| 21 years | $1,751 |
| 23 years | $3,452 |
| 25 years | $5,154 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugar Creek
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Sugar Creek, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Sugar Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugar Creek
For many Sugar Creek homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sugar Creek, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sugar Creek, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sugar Creek, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sugar Creek is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $8,233 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $11,398 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $14,774 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $18,360 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $22,157 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $26,165 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $30,383 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $34,812 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies 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 on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading through 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 such as a system part 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 get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Sugar Creek, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sugar Creek?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sugar Creek?
Solar panels aren’t free in Sugar Creek, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Sugar Creek?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.