Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cicero, IL (2024 Update)
- Cicero Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cicero
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cicero.
In Cicero, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cicero, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,818, or $24,050 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Cicero homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cicero
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,662 |
| 3 years | $-13,350 |
| 5 years | $-11,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,725 |
| 9 years | $-6,413 |
| 11 years | $-4,100 |
| 13 years | $-1,788 |
| 15 years | $524 |
| 17 years | $2,837 |
| 19 years | $5,149 |
| 21 years | $7,461 |
| 23 years | $9,774 |
| 25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Cicero
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are various 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
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 Cicero
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cicero
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Cicero: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cicero homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $4,808 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,832 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,066 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,511 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,166 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,032 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,109 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,396 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Cicero, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cicero?
The average cost of solar panels in Cicero 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 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 Cicero?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Cicero, 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 further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cicero?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.