Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carpentersville, IL (Mar 2023)
- Carpentersville Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
- 25-Year Savings: $10,133
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carpentersville
See how much it might cost to go solar in Carpentersville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Carpentersville is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Carpentersville, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,479, or $17,845 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 panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carpentersville find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carpentersville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,574 |
| 3 years | $-9,765 |
| 5 years | $-7,956 |
| 7 years | $-6,148 |
| 9 years | $-4,339 |
| 11 years | $-2,530 |
| 13 years | $-721 |
| 15 years | $1,088 |
| 17 years | $2,897 |
| 19 years | $4,706 |
| 21 years | $6,515 |
| 23 years | $8,324 |
| 25 years | $10,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Carpentersville
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Carpentersville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carpentersville
For many Carpentersville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carpentersville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Carpentersville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Carpentersville is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,851 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,107 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,516 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,077 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,792 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,660 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,680 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,853 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Carpentersville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carpentersville?
The average cost of solar panels in Carpentersville 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Carpentersville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.