Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bensenville, IL (2023 Update)
- Bensenville Solar Installation Cost: $12,347
- 25-Year Savings: $10,265
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bensenville
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bensenville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bensenville it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $12,345 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bensenville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,272 |
| 3 years | $-12,121 |
| 5 years | $-11,970 |
| 7 years | $-11,819 |
| 9 years | $-11,669 |
| 11 years | $-11,518 |
| 13 years | $-11,367 |
| 15 years | $-11,216 |
| 17 years | $-11,066 |
| 19 years | $-10,915 |
| 21 years | $-10,764 |
| 23 years | $-10,613 |
| 25 years | $-10,463 |
Top Solar Installers in Bensenville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bensenville:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Bensenville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bensenville
The cost of installing a solar system in Bensenville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bensenville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bensenville 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 crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Bensenville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice 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 promotions 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,074 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,404 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,887 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,523 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,312 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,254 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,349 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,596 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Bensenville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bensenville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bensenville?
The average cost of solar panels in Bensenville is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bensenville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bensenville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Bensenville?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 needs 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.