Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bradley, IL (2023 Update)
- Bradley Solar Installation Cost: $12,246
- 25-Year Savings: $10,366
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bradley
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bradley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bradley it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Bradley, the average price of going solar will be about $12,250 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bradley homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bradley can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bradley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,090 |
| 3 years | $-8,778 |
| 5 years | $-6,465 |
| 7 years | $-4,153 |
| 9 years | $-1,841 |
| 11 years | $472 |
| 13 years | $2,784 |
| 15 years | $5,097 |
| 17 years | $7,409 |
| 19 years | $9,721 |
| 21 years | $12,034 |
| 23 years | $14,346 |
| 25 years | $16,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Bradley
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you're looking for a solar company in Bradley, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bradley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bradley
The cost of installing a solar system in Bradley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, 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 only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, 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 figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bradley, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bradley?
The average cost of solar panels in Bradley 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bradley?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bradley. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bradley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.