Solar Panels Cost 5.4k-16k in Ottawa, IL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.4k-$16k in Ottawa, IL | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Ottawa, IL in 2024?

For the month of October, 2024, the cost per watt for solar systems in Ottawa, IL is $3.87/W.

Expect to pay $3,870, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your system can generate. We are able to come to this conclusion by using this rate price cost per watt. In Ottawa, the cost of a 5 kW solar system is typically $13,545, after the 30% federal tax credit. Please keep in mind that a more extensive system could be necessary to meet your energy requirements.

To the left, you can choose your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panels for houses in your area. Displayed below is an outline of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Ottawa: $13,545US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Ottawa: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Ottawa: $12,248US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Ottawa

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Ottawa.

Roof size 554sq. ft.
Capacity 7.75kW DC
Electricity 8.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Ottawa, IL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

Ottawa residents generally consume 700 kWh of electricity each month, with bills around $131.66. These statistics also reflects the energy consumption patterns of smaller residences, such as apartments.

Ottawa, IL's electricity rate is 18.8¢ per kWh in October 2024.

For the typical energy consumer in Ottawa, a system size of 6 kW or more is needed to cover their full power consumption demands. Right now, a 6 kW solar panel installation will cost you approximately $23,220, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $16,254.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Ottawa

On your left, you will see a detailed cost analysis for various solar panel system sizes set up in Ottawa. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is greater, but it also leads to more significant electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.

The calculator below and to the right offers a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $131.66 in Ottawa. Custom results can be achieved by changing the $131.66 to your usual bill amount.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $562 a year
Est. Price
$5,418
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,960 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $47
  • Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.82 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 38 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,024 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $844 a year
Est. Price
$8,127
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,440 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $70
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.23 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 56 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,036 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,125 a year
Est. Price
$10,836
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,920 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $94
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.64 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 75 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,048 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,406 a year
Est. Price
$13,545
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $117
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.04 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 94 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,059 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,687 a year
Est. Price
$16,254
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,880 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $132
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.3 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 106 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,700 mi less a year

Ottawa Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs. Believe you fit this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, available to most homeowners, making it a good option for numerous areas across the country. Alongside federal efforts, state and local programs help to encourage the use of solar power.

Illinois features 7 solar rebate and incentive initiatives available from different utilities and government organizations.

Solar incentives in IL

Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grants

Value:Varies

Commonwealth Edison funds the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF). The foundation supports private investment in renewable energy for Illinois through a variety of grant initiatives targeted at communities and schools. Eligible projects for a grant include solar, wind, and biomass installations interconnected to the grid. One initiative funding wind power for schools also supports related educational programs. Additional information is available through the ICECF website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

Renewable energy and distributed generation customers in Illinois may enter net metering or "dual metering" arrangements with their utility. By using their generation system, customers generate renewable energy credits. By law, they hold ownership of the RECs they generate, but they may choose to sell them to the utility upon signing a net metering contract. Dual metering is for property types in a "competitive class". Utilities should install a dual-channel meter to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. The customer will receive a bill credit for monthly NEG at a variable rate. Net metering operates in a similar fashion, but uses a single bidirectional meter and is designed for residential and certain commercial properties (these are "non-competitive classes".) Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Energy.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Illinois has adopted various state standards for distributed generation and interconnection using systems rated for less than 10 MW. Regulations are amended and enforced by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Each connected generation system is sorted into one of four tiers based on capacity. Which tier a system falls into determines engineering standards, permit processes, and the minimum liability insurance coverage that the system's owner must carry. Distributed generation for systems over 10 MW is also standardized under a different set of rules. Additional information is available from the ICC website.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

The Illinois legislature enacted the state's first renewable portfolio standard in 2007 and established the Illinois Power Agency for its enforcement. The current standard requires 25% of the state's renewable energy to come from renewable sources by 2026, with 6% coming from solar installations, 75% from wind turbines, and 1% from distributed generation systems. Compliance is measured using a renewable energy credit (REC) system pegging electric capacity to an adjusted dollar value. Utilities in the state must obtain these credits through their own generation activities or by purchasing them from distributed generation customers.

Energy Efficiency in State Government

Value:Varies

New government buildings or renovation projects in Illinois should comply with certain green building standards. Any new occupied state building or renovation affecting a maximum of 10,000 square feet should meet the highest feasible LEED standard, though the state does not need to apply for formal LEED certification. New buildings or renovation projects over 10,000 square feet must meet LEED Silver standards and apply for formal certification. A project may be exempt if costs toward meeting green building standards exceed benefits. Historic buildings may carry an exemption by default if improvements would negatively affect their aesthetics or status. Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Commerce website.

Illinois Municipal Electric Agency - Electric Efficiency Program

Value:Varies

Residential, commercial, and wholesale customers of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency may be eligible for a variety of financial incentives on energy efficiency equipment and projects. Eligible items and services will change from time to time. Current programs include rebate offers on HVAC, lighting, motors, and generation equipment. For each of these projects, the rebate amount averages at 7 cents per saved kilowatt hour for the first year of the improvements' deployment. The application process involves project reviews. Customers should submit copies of the city permits they have obtained for their proposed projects. To ensure accountability, IMEA requires the submission of receipts and a final inspection upon completion of the project. Additional information is available from the IMEA website.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits

Value:Varies

The Illinois Power Agency is a legislative organization that aids several private electrical utilities (Commonwealth Edison and Ameren, specifically) in purchasing renewable energy credits, including credits designated exclusively for solar energy. To meet renewable portfolio standards, the IPA acts as a diplomatic middleman to create purchasing agreements between utilities. As IPA both designs and operates procurement programs using a variety of tracking systems, customers participating in arrangements such as net metering may interface directly with the IPA. Additional information is available from the agency website.

Are solar panels worth it in Illinois?

If you're intending to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, opting for solar panels is a wise decision in Ottawa. A 5 kW system in Ottawa, IL will enable you to save the average homeowner, on average, $18,053.4 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Ottawa, IL

In addition to forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. Recent news stories have demonstrated that complete dependence on your utility is not always ideal.

Lately, customers in Ottawa have typically experienced 1.38 utility outages per year. The average duration of each outage is 105.25 minutes. During severe events like vandalism, overloaded power grids or landslides, these times can grow significantly longer.

Whether or not a backup battery is included, a solar panel system could ease the impact of future power outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in LaSalle County.

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Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Ottawa, IL?

Your Energy Needs - The upfront cost for larger solar panel systems is larger, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size increases. Many people find it advantageous to set up a solar energy system that can fully cover their entire electric bill. This ensures optimal savings.

Make & Model - Similar to other items, solar panels come in a variety of makes and models. As your installer may prefer certain systems, it's essential to choose a reputable contractor. Higher quality makes and models often result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - For numerous good reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. They are associated with a higher price, but they provide more energy. Most solar panel installers opt for this kind of material.

Your Property - Elements such as trees, sloping terrain, or other obstructions might complicate the installation process. Using satellite imagery, solar installers can now assess your home and include these considerations into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Different companies have varying pay scales for their employees, and these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers. Businesses that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees change by area and will affect your final install price. Experienced local installers will incorporate these numbers into your first quotes to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other IL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Ottawa?

Freedom Forever

Temecula, CA(800) 685-1850

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solar SME Inc.

Duncanville, TX(832) 626-2337

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Plug PV

Albany, NY(518) 948-5316

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

RISE Power

Richardson, TX(855) 747-3769

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Tick Tock Energy

Effingham, IL(217) 994-9020

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

AES Solar

Carterville, IL(618) 988-0888

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Soltage

Jersey City, NJ(201) 432-1786

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Engie North America

Houston, TX(713) 636-0000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Badass Energy

Claremont, CA(909) 320-9860

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Ottawa, IL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Ottawa, IL is $3.87/W. In Ottawa, IL, installing a 5 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $13,545 after federal tax incentives.
  • Utilities and government agencies in Illinois are currently offering 7 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Opting to pay in cash provides the highest savings, but there are now various financing options for solar panels that are financially beneficial. Many installers will detail information about financing options in their initial quotes.
  • Yes, in Ottawa, IL, the average payback period for 5 kW solar panels is 9 years, resulting in average electricity savings of $18,053.4 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01