Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berwyn, IL (Mar 2023)
- Berwyn Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berwyn
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Berwyn.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Berwyn generally cost about 2.73. Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Berwyn, the average price of going solar will be about $12,211 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind 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 needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Berwyn can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Berwyn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Berwyn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,307 |
| 3 years | $-9,498 |
| 5 years | $-7,689 |
| 7 years | $-5,880 |
| 9 years | $-4,071 |
| 11 years | $-2,262 |
| 13 years | $-453 |
| 15 years | $1,356 |
| 17 years | $3,165 |
| 19 years | $4,974 |
| 21 years | $6,783 |
| 23 years | $8,592 |
| 25 years | $10,400 |
Top Solar Installers in Berwyn
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Berwyn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berwyn
For many Berwyn homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Berwyn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Berwyn homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Berwyn, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,307 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,715 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,276 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,990 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,856 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,876 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,048 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,374 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Berwyn, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berwyn?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Berwyn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.