Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calumet City, IL (2023 Update)
- Calumet City 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 Calumet City
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Calumet City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Calumet City is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Calumet City, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,211, or $17,462 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Calumet City find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Calumet City, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calumet City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,136 |
| 3 years | $-11,985 |
| 5 years | $-11,834 |
| 7 years | $-11,684 |
| 9 years | $-11,533 |
| 11 years | $-11,382 |
| 13 years | $-11,231 |
| 15 years | $-11,081 |
| 17 years | $-10,930 |
| 19 years | $-10,779 |
| 21 years | $-10,629 |
| 23 years | $-10,478 |
| 25 years | $-10,327 |
Top Solar Installers in Calumet City
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Calumet City, we've put together 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 Calumet City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calumet City
While the average cost of a solar system in Calumet City is $12,211, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Calumet City, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Calumet City homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Calumet City 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 that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and 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 Calumet City, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calumet City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Calumet City?
A solar panel system isn't free in Calumet City, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Calumet City have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.