How Much Can Solar Save in Benson?
Real numbers based on current Ameren Illinois rates and Illinois incentives.
$125
Current Bill/mo
$137
Est. Lease + Battery
7.5 yrs
Payback Period
$33,719
25-Year Savings
What You're Paying Now
Without solar, here's what Ameren Illinois electricity will cost you over time at 6% annual rate increases.
Monthly Bill
$125
Annual Cost
$1,500
25-Year Cost (No Solar)
$82,297
Your Solar Investment
7 kW System
$20,300
$11,194
After All IL Incentives
DG Rebate ($300/kW)-$2,100
Illinois Shines RECs (lump sum, ~18 mo)-$7,006
With vs Without Solar in Benson
| Metric | Without Solar | With Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $125/mo | $123/mo (loan) |
| Monthly Cash Flow | -$0 (all to utility) | $-19/mo |
| 5-Year Cost | $8,100 | $7,380 |
| 25-Year Cost | $82,297 | $48,578 |
| Rate Control | None — utility sets rates | Fixed at $0.10/kWh (avg.) for 15 years |
| Home Value Impact | None | +$15,000–$25,000 (tax-exempt) |
Your Solar Savings Over Time
Estimated 25-Year Total Savings
$33,719
Without Solar
With Solar
Year 1
$1,500
$1,727
Year 2Payback Year
$3,090
-$3,531
Year 5
$8,456
$1,861
Year 10
$19,771
$11,464
Year 15
$34,914
$22,122
Year 20
$55,178
$34,284
Year 25
$82,297
$48,578
| Year | Without Solar | With Solar | Cumulative Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $1,500 | $1,727 | -$227 |
| Year 2Payback | $3,090 | -$3,531 | $6,621 |
| Year 3 | $4,775 | -$1,760 | $6,535 |
| Year 4 | $6,562 | $37 | $6,525 |
| Year 5 | $8,456 | $1,861 | $6,595 |
| Year 6 | $10,463 | $3,714 | $6,749 |
| Year 7 | $12,591 | $5,598 | $6,992 |
| Year 8 | $14,846 | $7,517 | $7,330 |
| Year 9 | $17,237 | $9,471 | $7,766 |
| Year 10 | $19,771 | $11,464 | $8,307 |
| Year 11 | $22,457 | $13,499 | $8,959 |
| Year 12 | $25,305 | $15,579 | $9,726 |
| Year 13 | $28,323 | $17,707 | $10,616 |
| Year 14 | $31,523 | $19,887 | $11,636 |
| Year 15 | $34,914 | $22,122 | $12,792 |
| Year 16 | $38,509 | $24,417 | $14,092 |
| Year 17 | $42,319 | $26,776 | $15,544 |
| Year 18 | $46,358 | $29,203 | $17,155 |
| Year 19 | $50,640 | $31,704 | $18,936 |
| Year 20 | $55,178 | $34,284 | $20,895 |
| Year 21 | $59,989 | $36,948 | $23,041 |
| Year 22 | $65,088 | $39,703 | $25,386 |
| Year 23 | $70,494 | $42,554 | $27,939 |
| Year 24 | $76,223 | $45,510 | $30,713 |
| Year 25 | $82,297 | $48,578 | $33,719 |
Start Saving in Benson
Get a free, personalized solar analysis based on your actual Ameren Illinois bill and roof. Lease or own — we'll find the best option.
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Ameren Illinois rates projected to rise again next year. Lock in savings now.