Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burr Ridge, IL (2023 Update)
- Burr Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $12,347
- 25-Year Savings: $10,265
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burr Ridge
We go over average solar pricing in Burr Ridge.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Burr Ridge typically cost around 2.73. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Burr Ridge, the average price of going solar will be about $12,345 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Burr Ridge homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Burr Ridge, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burr Ridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,191 |
| 3 years | $-8,878 |
| 5 years | $-6,566 |
| 7 years | $-4,254 |
| 9 years | $-1,941 |
| 11 years | $371 |
| 13 years | $2,683 |
| 15 years | $4,996 |
| 17 years | $7,308 |
| 19 years | $9,620 |
| 21 years | $11,933 |
| 23 years | $14,245 |
| 25 years | $16,558 |
Top Solar Installers in Burr Ridge
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Burr Ridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burr Ridge
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Burr Ridge: 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 energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Burr Ridge, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Burr Ridge to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Burr Ridge, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $9,074 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,404 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,887 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,523 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,312 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,254 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,349 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,596 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Burr Ridge, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Burr Ridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Burr Ridge is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model 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 Burr Ridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Burr Ridge?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Burr Ridge?
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 amount 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.