Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, IL (2025 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $15,998
- 25-Year Savings: $12,203
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
We go over average solar pricing in Chester.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $15,998 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 vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,147 |
| 3 years | $-13,446 |
| 5 years | $-11,745 |
| 7 years | $-10,043 |
| 9 years | $-8,342 |
| 11 years | $-6,641 |
| 13 years | $-4,939 |
| 15 years | $-3,238 |
| 17 years | $-1,537 |
| 19 years | $164 |
| 21 years | $1,866 |
| 23 years | $3,567 |
| 25 years | $5,268 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, 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 company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt in Chester.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Chester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Chester to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Chester’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $7,088 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,872 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,867 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,072 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $19,488 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $23,114 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $26,950 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $30,998 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Chester have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates 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 how many solar panels 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.