Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgeview, IL (2023 Update)
- Bridgeview Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgeview
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bridgeview.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bridgeview generally cost about 2.73. The average Bridgeview homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,211 with the federal tax credit, or $17,462 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Bridgeview homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bridgeview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,136 |
| 3 years | $-11,985 |
| 5 years | $-11,834 |
| 7 years | $-11,684 |
| 9 years | $-11,533 |
| 11 years | $-11,382 |
| 13 years | $-11,231 |
| 15 years | $-11,081 |
| 17 years | $-10,930 |
| 19 years | $-10,779 |
| 21 years | $-10,629 |
| 23 years | $-10,478 |
| 25 years | $-10,327 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgeview
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bridgeview, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Bridgeview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgeview
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Bridgeview, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bridgeview to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bridgeview homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bridgeview is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,307 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,715 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,276 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,990 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,856 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,876 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,048 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,374 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bridgeview, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bridgeview?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bridgeview?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bridgeview is currently $179,459, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,358 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bridgeview is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Bridgeview?
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 higher 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.