Solar Panels Cost 2.6k-13k in Richmond, IL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in Richmond, IL | October, 2024

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

For solar panels in Richmond, IL, the cost per watt in October, 2024 is around $3.75/W.

Put another way, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,750 to get your system installed in . A 5 kW solar panel system in Richmond averages about $13,125 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be enough to fulfill your energy needs.

To the left, you can select your county to determine the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Displayed below is an overview of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Richmond: $13,125US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Richmond: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Richmond: $8,660US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Richmond

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

Roof size 840sq. ft.
Capacity 11.75kW DC
Electricity 13.4kkWh AC per yr.

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

The typical electricity usage in Richmond is 601 kWh per month, resulting in a $114.21 monthly electric bill average. Compact apartments are also encompassed in the figures cited in the prior sentence. The lower energy use in these types of dwellings impacts those averages.

For October 2024, the mean electricity rate in Richmond, IL amounts to 18.99¢ per kWh.

In Richmond, a system size of 5 kW or more is required for the average energy consumer to satisfy their entire power consumption needs. The cost for aa 5 kW solar setup comes to $18,750 upfront, but after the 30% tax credit, the total cost drops to $13,125.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Richmond

On the left side below, the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Richmond is displayed. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in higher electricity savings and a more substantial income tax credit.

Using the solar panel cost calculator located down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $114.21 in Richmond. If you seek more customized results, just adjust the $114.21 to whichever your typical electricity bill is.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $281 a year
Est. Price
$2,625
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,480 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $23
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.47 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 22 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,172 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $562 a year
Est. Price
$5,250
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,960 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $47
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.95 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 43 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,343 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $844 a year
Est. Price
$7,875
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,440 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $70
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.42 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,515 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,125 a year
Est. Price
$10,500
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,920 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $94
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.89 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 87 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,687 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,406 a year
Est. Price
$13,125
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • 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

Richmond Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your photovoltaic or wind turbine project. If you believe you might qualify, we suggest trying our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

Nearly all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a feasible option in numerous states throughout the country. Additionally, a variety of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.

There are 7 solar rebate and incentive programs currently offered in Illinois by multiple utilities and government bodies.

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 intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Richmond. A 5 kW solar system in Richmond, IL could potentially save you $14,285.4 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point usually at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Richmond, 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. As recent examples in the news have shown, full reliance on your utility provider isn't always the best idea.

Annually, the average number of outages per customer in Richmond is about 0.59. The average length of an outage is 48.99 minutes. In events like winter storms, wildlife damage, or equipment failure, this duration can extend significantly.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can help mitigate the strain of future outages you may face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in McHenry County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt decreases as the system size increases. A lot of people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can offset their entire electric bill. This results in maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are numerous brands and models of solar panels. The preferences for system that your contractor has may make it essential to choose a reputable installer. The use of superior models is probably will result in a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - There are valid reasons why monocrystalline panels are now considered the industry standard. Although they are pricier, they provide increased energy. Most installers work with panels crafted of this material.

Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges such as trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. By using satellite imagery, solar installers can currently assess your home and include these considerations into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wage differences between companies result in costs that are passed on to the consumers. Higher reviews for services and customer service are often associated with businesses that pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will vary depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other IL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Richmond?

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

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

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

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

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

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

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

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

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

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

RISE Power

Richardson, TX(855) 747-3769

Services

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

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

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

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

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

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

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

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

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

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

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

Tick Tock Energy

Effingham, IL(217) 994-9020

Services

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

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

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

AES Solar

Carterville, IL(618) 988-0888

Services

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

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

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

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

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

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

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

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

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

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

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

Soltage

Jersey City, NJ(201) 432-1786

Services

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

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

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

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

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

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

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

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

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

Badass Energy

Claremont, CA(909) 320-9860

Services

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

Richmond, IL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Richmond, IL is $3.75/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Richmond, IL will roughly cost $13,125.
  • Currently, Illinois residents can benefit from 7 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Financing details are often provided by installers and may be detailed in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Richmond, IL averages 10 years, with electricity savings of about $14,285.4 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01