Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookside, IL (2023 Update)
- Brookside Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $14,769
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookside
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Brookside.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brookside typically cost around 2.73. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Brookside, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,695, or $16,724 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Brookside can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brookside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,637 |
| 3 years | $-8,520 |
| 5 years | $-6,402 |
| 7 years | $-4,285 |
| 9 years | $-2,168 |
| 11 years | $-51 |
| 13 years | $2,066 |
| 15 years | $4,183 |
| 17 years | $6,301 |
| 19 years | $8,418 |
| 21 years | $10,535 |
| 23 years | $12,652 |
| 25 years | $14,769 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookside
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Brookside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookside
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Brookside: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 kind 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 are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Brookside, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Brookside's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $14,014 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,990 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $24,120 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $29,403 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $34,839 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $40,427 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $46,168 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $52,062 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Brookside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking over 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 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Brookside, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brookside?
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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brookside is currently $74,300, which means you can expect a value of about $3,046 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brookside is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.