Solar Panels Cost 5.1k-15k in Virginia, IL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.1k-$15k in Virginia, IL | October, 2024

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

On average, in Virginia, IL in the month of October, 2024, the cost per watt of solar systems is $3.7/W.

Using this price, you should expect to pony up $3,700, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar panels will need to generate. With a 30% federal tax credit, the average cost for a 5 kW system in Virginia is approximately $12,950. It's vital to consider that a higher capacity system may be essential to fully meet your energy requirements.

By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. Below is a breakdown 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.
Virginia: $12,950US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Virginia: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Virginia: $13,463US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Virginia

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

Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 11kkWh AC per yr.

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

With an average consumption of 714 kWh per month, Virginia households pay about $133.18 for electricity each month. This data also encompasses the energy consumption patterns of smaller residences, such as apartments.

The electricity rate per kWh in Virginia, IL for October 2024 is on average 18.64¢.

To satisfy the electricity requirements of an average consumer in Virginia, a solar panel system of 6 kW or higher is a must. Upfront, a 6 kW solar system is approximately $22,200, with the federal tax credit returning 30% of your investment amount, which cuts down the total to $15,540.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Virginia

To the left side and below, you can find the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Virginia. Naturally, with a more extensive solar system, there will be a greater initial expense, but the advantages include higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $133.18 in Virginia. Adjust the $133.18 to your usual bill payment for personalized results.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $562 a year
Est. Price
$5,180
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 0.81 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 37 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,009 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $844 a year
Est. Price
$7,770
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 1.22 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 56 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,013 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,125 a year
Est. Price
$10,360
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,920 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $94
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.62 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 75 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,017 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,406 a year
Est. Price
$12,950
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $117
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.03 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 93 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,021 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,687 a year
Est. Price
$15,540
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,880 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $133
  • 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

Virginia 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 photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Installing residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, accessible to almost all homeowners, making it a wise option for numerous areas across the country. Additionally, various state and local programs exist to further support the adoption of solar power.

Several utilities and government organizations in Illinois currently offer 7 solar rebates and incentives.

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?

For those planning to stay in their home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart investment in Virginia. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Virginia, IL, you might save $19,013.2 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at around 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Virginia, IL

If you don't install solar panels or an alternative backup power source, you forgo the aforementioned savings and your household is entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Numerous recent news reports have illustrated that total reliance on your utility isn't always the best idea.

In Virginia, there are about 0.94 outages per customer annually. Each outage lasts an average of 100.1 minutes. In the case of major events such as heavy rain and flooding, vandalism, or equipment failure, this period can increase substantially.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can reduce the stress of future outages you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cass County.

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Customers Out:

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

Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt declines, despite the larger upfront expense. Installing a solar panel system that can fully offset the electric bill is beneficial to homeowners because of the money saved.

Make & Model - There are a wide variety of makes and models of solar panels. The installer’s preference for system makes it crucial to pick a reputable company. Buyers generally find that utilizing higher quality equipment provides a more satisfactory long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. Even though they are costlier, they provide more energy. Most installers work with panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Trees, irregular terrain, or other considerations can increase the difficulty of the installation. These days, the majority of solar installers can use satellite imagery to assess your home and include these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees get varying wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. Paying higher wages frequently results in companies receiving better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be affected by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other IL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Virginia?

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.

Virginia, IL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Virginia, IL is $3.7/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $12,950 in Virginia, IL after the federal tax credit is applied.
  • At present, there are 7 rebates and incentives available to Illinois residents from various utility and government programs. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Paying in cash provides the highest savings, but there are multiple financing options available today for solar panels that are also beneficial. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Virginia, IL averages 8 years, with electricity savings of about $19,013.2 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01