Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barrington Hills, IL (2024 Update)
- Barrington Hills Solar Installation Cost: $16,951
- 25-Year Savings: $10,304
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barrington Hills
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Barrington Hills.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Barrington Hills generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Barrington Hills is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,951 for a solar installation, or $24,240 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Barrington Hills find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Barrington Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,795 |
| 3 years | $-13,483 |
| 5 years | $-11,170 |
| 7 years | $-8,858 |
| 9 years | $-6,545 |
| 11 years | $-4,233 |
| 13 years | $-1,921 |
| 15 years | $392 |
| 17 years | $2,704 |
| 19 years | $5,016 |
| 21 years | $7,329 |
| 23 years | $9,641 |
| 25 years | $11,953 |
Top Solar Installers in Barrington Hills
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Barrington Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barrington Hills
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Barrington Hills to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Barrington Hills homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Barrington Hills, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Barrington Hills have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $4,642 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,610 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,789 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,179 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,779 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,589 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,610 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,842 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Barrington Hills, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Barrington Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Barrington Hills is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Barrington Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.