Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookside, IL (2024 Update)
- Brookside Solar Installation Cost: $16,112
- 25-Year Savings: $14,766
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookside
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Brookside.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Brookside is 4 per watt.The average Brookside homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,112 with the federal tax credit, or $23,040 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.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 $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Brookside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,262 |
| 3 years | $-13,560 |
| 5 years | $-11,859 |
| 7 years | $-10,158 |
| 9 years | $-8,457 |
| 11 years | $-6,755 |
| 13 years | $-5,054 |
| 15 years | $-3,353 |
| 17 years | $-1,651 |
| 19 years | $50 |
| 21 years | $1,751 |
| 23 years | $3,452 |
| 25 years | $5,154 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookside
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Brookside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookside
For many Brookside homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brookside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Brookside.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Brookside, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brookside homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brookside is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $9,514 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,107 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $16,910 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $20,924 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $25,148 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $29,583 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $34,229 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $39,084 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Brookside, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brookside?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Brookside?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Brookside. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Brookside?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.