Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, IL (2024 Update)
- Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $16,257
- 25-Year Savings: $15,067
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Brighton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brighton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Brighton homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,257 with the federal tax credit, or $23,248 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Brighton can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Brighton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,407 |
| 3 years | $-13,705 |
| 5 years | $-12,004 |
| 7 years | $-10,303 |
| 9 years | $-8,601 |
| 11 years | $-6,900 |
| 13 years | $-5,199 |
| 15 years | $-3,497 |
| 17 years | $-1,796 |
| 19 years | $-95 |
| 21 years | $1,606 |
| 23 years | $3,308 |
| 25 years | $5,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Brighton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Brighton is $16,257, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brighton to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When trying to figure out 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brighton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,678 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,325 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,182 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $21,251 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $25,529 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $30,019 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $34,718 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $39,629 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Brighton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brighton?
The average cost of solar panels in Brighton is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brighton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brighton is currently $190,774, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,822 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brighton is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.