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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Aurora.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Aurora it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Aurora is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,109 for a solar installation, or $24,466 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Aurora depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aurora find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Aurora for a personalized quote.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Aurora, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt in Aurora.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Aurora, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Aurora offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Aurora, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Aurora?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.