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Solar Panel Cost in Champaign, Illinois: Your Detailed Guide

Two solar engineers installing solar panels on the house roof.

As of March 2024, the average cost of solar panels in Champaign, IL, stands at $3.01 per watt. With an average system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), the total cost of solar installation in Champaign, IL, typically ranges from $12,803 to $17,321. For residents considering solar energy adoption, this translates to a significant initial investment, but one that can yield substantial long-term benefits.

Discover the prices for going solar in the city, and find trusted solar installers in Champaign to ensure a seamless transition to sustainable energy.

Choosing the Best Solar Companies in Champaign, IL

In Champaign, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign boasts multiple solar PV systems and two solar farms, with the largest spanning 12.32 MW. Together, these facilities generate over 7,000 MWh of clean energy annually.

Given such significant strides in solar energy, selecting the ideal solar panel installer may seem overwhelming. These straightforward steps can simplify the process of selecting solar installers in Champaign.

1. Familiarize yourself with options Before diving in, understand the various solar panels available in your town. Research diverse brands and efficiency ratings.
2. Verify credentials Ensure the installer holds certifications from respected organizations like MCS and is affiliated with RECC or Solar Energy UK.
3. Clarify policies Verify the installer’s working policies, thoroughly examine their terms and conditions, and check whether they can prevent unexpected issues.
4. Review feedback Examine online reviews thoroughly and ask the installer for references to receive valuable insights.
6. Understand the installation process While not necessary to be an expert, grasp the process of solar panel installation in Champaign to ensure adherence to best practices and regulations.
8. Consider Local Installers Don’t overlook the benefits of choosing a local installer, who can offer insights into area-specific requirements.
9. Take Your Time Refrain from making hasty decisions under pressure; instead, invest time in collecting essential information and carefully assessing proposals.

How Much Do Solar Panels in Champaign Cost?

As already mentioned, as of March 2024, the average cost of solar panels in Champaign, IL, is $3.01 per watt, resulting in a total installation cost ranging from $12,803 to $17,321.

The federal solar tax credit, currently at 30%, is a key incentive driving solar adoption. This credit can significantly offset the upfront costs associated with installing solar panels in Champaign. Moreover, various state and local incentives may further reduce the net price, making solar energy more accessible to a broader range of homeowners.

Graph depicting the average price of a 5kW solar installation in Champaign, IL
Despite government incentives, the average price in Illinois in early 2024 remains around $3 per watt. For a typical 5 kW system in Champaign, this could total approximately $14,000. So, the greater the price, the larger the credit you’ll receive towards your federal tax bill.

The average solar costs vary by system size in Champaign, IL.

System Size System Cost System Cost (after ITC)
3 kW $9,037 $6,326
4 kW $12,050 $8,435
5 kW $15,062 $10,544
6 kW $18,075 $13,652
7 kW $21,087 $14,761
8 kW $24,100 $16,870
9 kW $27,112 $18,979
10 kW $30,125 $21,087

 

Considering solar roof tiles and other options in Champaign, Illinois? Get your solar quote today!

What Impacts the Cost of Solar Panels in Champaign, IL?

Determining the expense of installing a solar panel system in Champaign involves various factors. According to SEIA, it hinges on space availability, current energy usage, and local utility policies. Factors such as system size, panel type, roof complexity, and additional expenses (permits, grid connection, and old roof disposal) also influence pricing. Thus, pinpointing a precise cost is challenging.

You can finance your solar panels in Champaign through a loan. Some companies even offer no-down-payment loans, enabling you to begin saving from day one if your loan payments are lower than your current electricity bills.

The cost of installation can fluctuate within the same city due to some other factors, including roof angle, changing weather conditions, and solar panel quality, of course. The quality and efficiency of solar panels in Champaign can vary, affecting both upfront costs and long-term performance.

Pinpointing the Best Solar Companies in Champaign, IL

Discovering the finest solar energy companies in Champaign, IL, is made easier with our impartial rankings, guided by our extensive expertise in renewables.

All Energy Solar

All Energy Solar homepage
 

Established in 2009, NABCEP-certified All Energy Solar is a trusted leader in the solar energy industry across Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin. They serve residential, commercial, agricultural, and government clients and provide turnkey solar energy solutions without subcontracting. The advanced monitoring system provides real-time solar output data, maximizing efficiency and financial return.

Sunshine Saves Inc.

Sunshine Saves Inc. homepage
 

Established in 2012, Sunshine Saves Inc. is dedicated to delivering top-quality solar energy solutions with a focus on exceptional 25-year workmanship, customer service, and savings. They operate in over 48 locations nationwide, including Champaign, Illinois. An exclusive partnership with GoodLeap provides distinctive financing options, ensuring a superior customer experience.

eEquals

eEquals homepage
 

As one of the best solar installers in Champaign and beyond, eEquals is renowned for their unmatched guarantees: 60-day installation assurance, 30-year warranty, and 25-year production guarantee. Providing premium equipment, efficient local service, and expert installation by certified crews, the installer ensures a swift and hassle-free transition to solar energy.

SunSent Solar

SunSent Solar homepage
 

SunSent Solar, a local family-owned business established in 2016, boasts over 50 years of combined experience within its ownership and top-notch service with its in-house installation team. Backed by a 30-year warranty, a production guarantee, and excellent panel ratings, they ensure the best solar panel price in Champaign and maximum savings for their customers.

SunPower

SunPower homepage
 

With over 37 years of experience, SunPower stands as one of the premier solar installers in Champaign and other states. The company offers top-rated solutions backed by a 25-year warranty and a commitment to quality and longevity. Based in Silicon Valley since 1985, SunPower leads the industry with the most efficient residential solar and storage solutions, making clean energy accessible to all homeowners.

Solar Installation in Champaign, IL: Local or National Solar Installer?

Opting for the local solar installers in Champaign, Illinois, holds numerous benefits over selecting a national company. Discover why:

Personalized service Local installers prioritize personalized care and offer tailored solutions that match your needs, ensuring a higher level of attention.
Speed of service The speed of solar installation, usually within one or two days, depends on factors like financing and permitting, and local installers may expedite approval due to familiarity with local permits and building codes.
Support for the local economy Choosing local solar installers in Champaign fosters regional economic growth, creating job opportunities within the community.
Online reviews Opt for personal recommendations from friends or neighbors in your locality for a more balanced assessment of the installer’s reputation and performance.

Why You Should Consider Solar Installation in Champaign, IL

Opting for a cash payment for your system could lead to savings of approximately $48,498 over 20 years with a 5 kW setup in Champaign, IL. This estimation is based on actual solar quote data from our website, considering the system’s cost, federal tax credit, and inflation rates. It’s worth noting that many homeowners recoup their installation investment within 7 to 8 years.

For homeowners or businesses, going solar in Champaign offers numerous benefits. By making this transition, you’re:

  • Aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
  • Contributing to Illinois’ target of sourcing at least 25% of its energy from clean sources like solar by 2025
  • Experiencing substantial savings on electricity expenses by choosing reliable solar installers in Champaign
  • Increasing property value while

Given Champaign’s extreme temperatures, with hot summers and cold winters leading to heightened energy consumption, exploring alternative electricity offers some relief.

Additionally, solar systems with battery storage ensure uninterrupted power during outages, reducing carbon emissions and increasing property value while promoting a cleaner, healthier planet.

Leveraging Solar Panels in Champaign, IL, for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Going solar in Champaign, IL, represents a proactive step towards building a sustainable future for both the community and the planet. By harnessing the sun’s abundant energy, residents and businesses alike can reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

With continued advancements in solar technology, supportive incentives, and prominent solar installers in Champaign, the city leads the way in renewable energy adoption in the region.

Seeking the best solar panel cost in Champaign, Illinois? Get your solar quote right away!