Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carol Stream, IL (2024 Update)
- Carol Stream Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
- 25-Year Savings: $13,514
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carol Stream
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carol Stream.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carol Stream generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Carol Stream is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,196 for a solar installation, or $24,590 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
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 Carol Stream
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,040 |
| 3 years | $-13,728 |
| 5 years | $-11,415 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,791 |
| 11 years | $-4,478 |
| 13 years | $-2,166 |
| 15 years | $146 |
| 17 years | $2,459 |
| 19 years | $4,771 |
| 21 years | $7,083 |
| 23 years | $9,396 |
| 25 years | $11,708 |
Top Solar Installers in Carol Stream
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Carol Stream
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carol Stream
There are many criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Carol Stream, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Carol Stream average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carol Stream to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Carol Stream is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $7,453 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,358 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,474 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,800 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $20,337 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $24,085 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $28,043 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $32,211 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Carol Stream, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carol Stream?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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 cities 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.
Is it worth going solar in Carol Stream?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 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.