Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, IL (2023 Update)
- Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $11,810
- 25-Year Savings: $15,061
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Brighton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brighton it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $11,810 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Brighton based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brighton find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,735 |
| 3 years | $-8,586 |
| 5 years | $-6,436 |
| 7 years | $-4,286 |
| 9 years | $-2,137 |
| 11 years | $13 |
| 13 years | $2,163 |
| 15 years | $4,312 |
| 17 years | $6,462 |
| 19 years | $8,612 |
| 21 years | $10,761 |
| 23 years | $12,911 |
| 25 years | $15,061 |
Top Solar Installers in Brighton
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Brighton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brighton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brighton to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Brighton, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger 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 | $14,177 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $19,208 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $24,392 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $29,730 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $35,220 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $40,862 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $46,658 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $52,607 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Brighton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brighton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $870.05 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.