Solar power proves it will play in Peoria

The state of solar in Peoria

With 194 sunny days per year on average,^*Best Places, Climate in Peoria, IL, May 2021. 71% of the city’s rooftops solar viable,^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018) and Illinois striving to obtain 25% of its energy from renewable sources, Peoria has ample solar potential. There's room for 30,600 new installations capable of producing 717 MW of electricity—enough to offset 713,000 cubic tons of carbon dioxide or the equivalent of taking 151,000 cars off the road for a year.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018)

How much solar energy does Peoria produce?

Currently, Peoria produces an estimated 5.35 MW of solar energy. There’s also an ongoing commercial solar project in Peoria County run by electricity utility provider Ameren. Cameron Solar is located near West Plank Road and South Cameron Lane and began commercial operation in 2020. It has a capacity of 2.6 MW.^*Go Green Wilmette, Intro to Clearway & Illinois Community Solar, July 2019.

What are the advantages of going solar in Peoria?

As a result of our cold winters and warm summers, households in Illinois use significantly more energy than homes in other U.S states. Solar energy can provide a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution to high electricity bills while also helping Illinois move toward its clean energy goals.

A 5 kW solar system has the potential to offer over $20,000 in electricity cost savings in the first 20 years of use.^*EnergySage, Solar Panels in Peoria, IL, May 2021. Many homeowners even fully recoup their installation costs within a decade and enjoy virtually free energy after that. Though, how quickly you’ll break even on your investment and whether your system fully covers your energy needs depends heavily on whether your system is properly installed and designed.

How much does solar cost in Peoria?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• HOA regulations

• Size of the solar system

• Quality of the system’s panels and parts

• Household’s energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered from third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Peoria, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,000 to $23,150, or in other words, from $2.60 to $4.63 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Both home and business owners may be able to take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit, which provides a credit worth 26% of the solar system’s installation cost, as long as you own the system.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

While the program is currently out of funding, you can also get on the state's Renewable Energy Credit program waitlist. Illinois Shines allows you to earn credits for electricity that you can sell back to your provider.

What’s the best way to go solar in Peoria?

To make the most of your investment in solar energy, it’s best to work with an experienced solar installer. Solar systems vary in appearance, quality, and durability. You’ll need to consider your budget, energy needs, long-term goals, and viable roof space to select the right system for your home.

Your solar provider should help you determine what system size you need and whether a solar or solar + storage system is right for your energy needs and peace of mind. You should also receive a custom system design, price quote, savings estimate, and an overview of any available incentives.

We’re happy to help with all the above. Simply request a free consultation to get started, and we’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.