Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, IL (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $11,619
- 25-Year Savings: $12,200
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Chester.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,619 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Chester based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Chester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,666 |
| 3 years | $-8,761 |
| 5 years | $-6,855 |
| 7 years | $-4,950 |
| 9 years | $-3,044 |
| 11 years | $-1,139 |
| 13 years | $767 |
| 15 years | $2,672 |
| 17 years | $4,578 |
| 19 years | $6,483 |
| 21 years | $8,389 |
| 23 years | $10,294 |
| 25 years | $12,200 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
The cost of installing a solar system in Chester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Chester. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chester to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chester homeowners, they can also raise 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 company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $11,587 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,756 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,077 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $24,551 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $29,178 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $33,958 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $38,890 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $43,976 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Chester, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Chester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Chester. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Chester have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.