Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookfield, IL (2023 Update)
- Brookfield 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 Brookfield
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Brookfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brookfield it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Brookfield is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,211 for a solar installation, or $17,462 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Brookfield see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Brookfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,055 |
| 3 years | $-8,743 |
| 5 years | $-6,430 |
| 7 years | $-4,118 |
| 9 years | $-1,806 |
| 11 years | $507 |
| 13 years | $2,819 |
| 15 years | $5,131 |
| 17 years | $7,444 |
| 19 years | $9,756 |
| 21 years | $12,068 |
| 23 years | $14,381 |
| 25 years | $16,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookfield
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Brookfield, we've organized 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 Brookfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Brookfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Brookfield, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brookfield homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Brookfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brookfield have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Brookfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Brookfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brookfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Brookfield is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Brookfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Brookfield?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.