Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blackhawk, IL (2023 Update)
- Blackhawk Solar Installation Cost: $12,326
- 25-Year Savings: $7,461
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blackhawk
We break down average solar pricing in Blackhawk.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Blackhawk typically cost around 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $12,326 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Blackhawk can save around $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blackhawk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,534 |
| 3 years | $-9,952 |
| 5 years | $-8,369 |
| 7 years | $-6,786 |
| 9 years | $-5,203 |
| 11 years | $-3,620 |
| 13 years | $-2,037 |
| 15 years | $-454 |
| 17 years | $1,129 |
| 19 years | $2,712 |
| 21 years | $4,295 |
| 23 years | $5,878 |
| 25 years | $7,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Blackhawk
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Blackhawk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blackhawk
Though the average cost of a solar system in Blackhawk is $12,326, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Blackhawk, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Blackhawk is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $6,471 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $8,934 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $11,550 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $14,318 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $17,240 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $20,314 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $23,541 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $26,921 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer'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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Blackhawk, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blackhawk?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Blackhawk is currently $118,770, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,870 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Blackhawk is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.