With power bills going up and more people thinking about clean energy, a lot of homeowners are asking: Will solar panels help me save money? If you live in Moline, IL, the answer is often yes.
But how does a solar roof actually help with savings? Is it really a good choice for your home? Let’s break it all down so you can decide if solar is the right move for you and your wallet.
What Does a Solar Roof Cost Upfront?
First things first—installing solar panels does cost money at the beginning. In Moline, IL, it usually costs about $35,000 before any discounts. That sounds like a lot, but most people can use the 30% federal tax credit, which brings the cost down to around $24,500.
On top of that, Illinois offers other great programs like Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All that help even more with the cost. There’s also a property tax exemption, which means your taxes won’t go up just because your home is worth more after adding solar. And thanks to net metering, you can earn credit when your solar panels make extra electricity.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Now let’s talk about the fun part—saving money. If your power bill is about $107 each month, that’s over $1,280 per year. With the right solar setup, you could cut that bill way down—or even wipe it out completely.
Most solar panels last 25 to 30 years, which means you could save $25,000 to $40,000 in that time. Most Moline homeowners break even on their solar investment in 4 to 12 years, depending on things like how much power you use, where your roof faces, and how you pay for your system.
What is Net Metering—and Why It Matters
Net metering is a big reason solar saves so much money. Here’s how it works: when your panels make more power than you use, that extra energy goes back into the power grid. In return, your electric company gives you credits.
Illinois used to give full price credits, but as of January 2025, new systems use a “supply-only” credit. Even though it’s not quite as generous, it still helps Moline homeowners lower their bills by using those credits on cloudy days or at night when your panels aren’t making power.
Is Solar Worth It in the Long Run?
Short answer: yes—if your home is a good fit. Even though solar has an upfront cost, it keeps saving you money for decades. Once you’ve paid off the system, all the electricity it makes is basically free.
It’s also a smart way to protect yourself from rising electric rates. Energy prices tend to go up over time. But with solar, your rate stays steady. That makes it easier to plan your monthly budget without surprises.
Solar Can Boost Your Home’s Value
One perk that surprises people is that solar can make your home worth more. In fact, homes with solar panels sell for about 4.1% more than homes without them. In Moline, where homes cost around $250,000, that’s a value bump of about $10,000.
And remember that Illinois won’t raise your property taxes just because your home value goes up from solar. So it’s more money in your pocket if you ever decide to sell your house.
Things to Think About Before You Go Solar
Solar can be a great choice, but it’s not right for every home. Before you make the leap, ask yourself a few questions.
1. Does Your Roof Get Enough Sun?
Roofs that face south or west and don’t have a lot of shade are best for solar. If your roof is covered by trees or faces the wrong direction, solar might not work as well.
2. Is Your Roof in Good Shape?
If your roof is old or needs repairs, it’s smart to fix it before putting solar panels on. That way, you won’t have to pay extra to take the panels off later.
3. How Much Energy Do You Use?
Solar works best for homes that use at least 500 kilowatt-hours a month. If your energy use is really low, you’ll still save money, but it might take longer to see big savings.
4. Which Solar Company Will You Choose?
Pick a local company that knows the Moline area, follows the rules for permits and inspections, and has a good reputation. A company that offers strong warranties and clear pricing is key.
Ways to Pay for Solar
Worried about the cost? Don’t be. Homeowners in Moline, IL, have a few good options to make solar more affordable:
- Pay in Full (Cash): Costs more upfront, but gives you the most savings in the long run.
- Solar Loan: Lets you keep ownership while making monthly payments. You still get tax credits, too.
- PACE Loan: Paid back through your property taxes. It’s easy and tied to your home.
- Avoid Leases or PPAs: These may sound like a good deal, but they offer less savings, don’t boost your home value, and limit your benefits.
Bonus: Solar Helps the Planet, Too
Besides saving money, going solar is great for the environment. It helps cut down pollution and reduces your need for fossil fuels. That means cleaner air, healthier communities, and a brighter future for everyone.
Moline gets about 201 sunny days per year, which is plenty for solar to work well. With the right setup, your home could make most—or even all of its own power from the sun.
So, Is a Solar Roof the Right Choice?
If you’re asking “will solar panels on roofs help save money?”, the answer in Moline, IL is: most likely, yes. With generous tax credits, local incentives, and long-term savings, solar panels can be a smart investment for many homeowners.
Think about what you spend on electricity now, and imagine paying little or nothing instead. Plus, you’ll boost your home’s value, help the planet, and gain more control over your power.
Ready to See What You Could Save?
We make it easy to find out if solar is right for your home. At Quality Construction Advantage Group, we’ll look at your roof, energy use, and budget to give you clear answers.
Schedule your free inspection today and let’s see how much money solar could save you!
