Solar Panels Cost 2.5k-12k in Wilmington, IL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.5k-$12k in Wilmington, IL | October, 2024

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

You'll pay about $3.7/W to get a solar system in October, 2024 in Wilmington, IL.

Based on this price per watt, you can conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can generate, you will have to spend $3,700 for its installation. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW panel install in Wilmington will cost around $12,950. Your electricity use habits may need a larger system.

Select your county from the menu on the left to view the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Additionally, you can also see a breakdown of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Wilmington: $12,950US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Wilmington: 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.
Wilmington: $8,913US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Wilmington

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

Roof size 715sq. ft.
Capacity 10kW DC
Electricity 11.5kkWh AC per yr.

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

The standard kWh usage for Wilmington residents is 601 monthly, with an average electric bill of $114.22. It’s worth remembering that this number includes apartments and other smaller living spaces that generally have lower energy use.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Wilmington, IL is on average 18.99¢ per kWh.

If your household uses an average amount of electricity in Wilmington, you will want a solar system of 5 kW or larger to fully take care of your entire power needs. Presently, a 5 kW solar panel system will have an upfront cost of about $18,500, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $12,950.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Wilmington

To your left, there is a comprehensive price breakdown for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Wilmington. Of course, with a bigger solar system, there will be a higher upfront cost, but the advantages consist of more electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

In the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can see a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $114.22electric bill in Wilmington. For custom results, change the $114.22 to whatever your average electricity bill is.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $281 a year
Est. Price
$2,590
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
$5,180
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
$7,770
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
$10,360
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
$12,950
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 9 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

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

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to almost all homeowners, making solar power a good investment in numerous parts of the country. There are also a number of state and local efforts aimed at enhancing solar energy use.

In Illinois, 7 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from different utilities and government agencies.

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 your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, installing solar panels is a wise option in Wilmington. In Wilmington, IL, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $14,462.8 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Wilmington, IL

In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned above, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by recent news stories, complete dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.

In recent years, customers in Wilmington have typically faced 0.59 utility outages per year. The average duration of each outage is 48.99 minutes. During severe events like equipment failure, tornadoes or construction accidents, these times can grow significantly longer.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could mitigate the effects of future outages you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Will County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. Consumers often discover that setting up a solar system that can replace their entire electric bill is useful, resulting in significant savings.

Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a range of makes and models. The installer’s preference for brand makes it important to select a highly rated contractor. Superior equipment generally provide an better long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are generally accepted as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. They are pricier but produce more energy. Many professionals in solar installation utilize panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Elements such as rough terrain, trees, or additional considerations might complicate the installation process. Solar installers now have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies pay varying pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. It is frequently observed that companies with higher wages get superior reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be impacted by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary depending on the area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other IL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington, IL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Wilmington, IL as of October, 2024 is $3.7/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Wilmington, IL after federal tax credits is around $12,950.
  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Illinois are offering 7 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet numerous financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Your preliminary quotes will usually include financing options available through installers.
  • Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Wilmington, IL is achieved in 9 years, with electricity savings amounting to $14,462.8 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01