Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bourbonnais, IL (Mar 2023)
- Bourbonnais Solar Installation Cost: $12,250
- 25-Year Savings: $10,362
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bourbonnais
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bourbonnais.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bourbonnais it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $12,250 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bourbonnais homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bourbonnais find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Bourbonnais that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bourbonnais
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,345 |
| 3 years | $-9,536 |
| 5 years | $-7,727 |
| 7 years | $-5,918 |
| 9 years | $-4,109 |
| 11 years | $-2,300 |
| 13 years | $-491 |
| 15 years | $1,318 |
| 17 years | $3,126 |
| 19 years | $4,935 |
| 21 years | $6,744 |
| 23 years | $8,553 |
| 25 years | $10,362 |
Top Solar Installers in Bourbonnais
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right 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 nearby:
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 Bourbonnais
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bourbonnais
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
Most solar installers in Bourbonnais provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bourbonnais, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $9,246 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,634 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,175 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,869 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,715 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,715 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,867 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,172 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Bourbonnais, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bourbonnais?
The average cost of solar panels in Bourbonnais is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bourbonnais?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bourbonnais. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bourbonnais, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Bourbonnais?
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.