Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, IL (2024 Update)

  • Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $17,109
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,530
  • Payback Period: 17.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Aurora.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Aurora typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,109 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Aurora based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Aurora see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Aurora

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,953
3 years $-13,640
5 years $-11,328
7 years $-9,016
9 years $-6,703
11 years $-4,391
13 years $-2,079
15 years $234
17 years $2,546
19 years $4,859
21 years $7,171
23 years $9,483
25 years $11,796

Top Solar Installers in Aurora

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Aurora

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora

Though the average cost of a solar system in Aurora is $17,109, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Aurora, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Aurora, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Aurora’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.91 $16,424 $5,685 18.6 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $8,001 18.2 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $10,527 17.9 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $13,264 17.5 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $16,212 17.1 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $19,370 16.8 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $22,739 16.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $26,318 16.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Aurora, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aurora?

The average cost of solar panels in Aurora is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Aurora?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Aurora. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Aurora?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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