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 the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Brighton, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Brighton:
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 Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Brighton is $16,257, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Brighton, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Brighton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Brighton, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better 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 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 | $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
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining 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 take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 previous customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brighton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Brighton?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.