Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boulder Hill, IL (2024 Update)
- Boulder Hill Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
- 25-Year Savings: $10,228
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boulder Hill
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Boulder Hill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Boulder Hill it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Boulder Hill is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,056 for a solar installation, or $24,390 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Boulder Hill homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Boulder Hill find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Boulder Hill that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Boulder Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,900 |
| 3 years | $-13,587 |
| 5 years | $-11,275 |
| 7 years | $-8,963 |
| 9 years | $-6,650 |
| 11 years | $-4,338 |
| 13 years | $-2,025 |
| 15 years | $287 |
| 17 years | $2,599 |
| 19 years | $4,912 |
| 21 years | $7,224 |
| 23 years | $9,536 |
| 25 years | $11,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Boulder Hill
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Boulder Hill, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Boulder Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boulder Hill
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Boulder Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 that have higher efficiency or power generation require 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 $3,760.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Boulder Hill, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,512 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,438 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,573 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,920 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,477 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,244 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,222 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,411 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects 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: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Boulder Hill, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boulder Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Boulder Hill 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
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 Boulder Hill is currently $331,871, which means you can look forward to a value of about $13,607 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Boulder Hill is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.