Solar Panel Cost Guide in Braidwood, IL (2024 Update)
- Braidwood Solar Installation Cost: $16,967
- 25-Year Savings: $10,292
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Braidwood
We go over average solar pricing in Braidwood.
In Braidwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Braidwood is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,967 for a solar installation, or $24,263 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Braidwood see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Braidwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,811 |
| 3 years | $-13,499 |
| 5 years | $-11,186 |
| 7 years | $-8,874 |
| 9 years | $-6,562 |
| 11 years | $-4,249 |
| 13 years | $-1,937 |
| 15 years | $375 |
| 17 years | $2,688 |
| 19 years | $5,000 |
| 21 years | $7,312 |
| 23 years | $9,625 |
| 25 years | $11,937 |
Top Solar Installers in Braidwood
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Braidwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Braidwood
For many Braidwood homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Braidwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Braidwood, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Braidwood, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with 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 opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Braidwood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,622 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,583 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,755 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,138 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,732 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,535 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,550 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,775 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Braidwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
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 Braidwood, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Braidwood?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Braidwood?
Solar panels aren’t free in Braidwood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.