Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarendon Hills, IL (2023 Update)
- Clarendon Hills Solar Installation Cost: $12,486
- 25-Year Savings: $10,126
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarendon Hills
We break down average solar pricing in Clarendon Hills.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clarendon Hills it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Clarendon Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $12,479 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clarendon Hills find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Clarendon Hills for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Clarendon Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,329 |
| 3 years | $-9,017 |
| 5 years | $-6,705 |
| 7 years | $-4,392 |
| 9 years | $-2,080 |
| 11 years | $232 |
| 13 years | $2,545 |
| 15 years | $4,857 |
| 17 years | $7,169 |
| 19 years | $9,482 |
| 21 years | $11,794 |
| 23 years | $14,107 |
| 25 years | $16,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarendon Hills
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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
See all of the solar companies in Clarendon Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarendon Hills
There are several factors that can determine your 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
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Clarendon Hills, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Clarendon Hills homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Clarendon Hills, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $8,840 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,093 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,498 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,057 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,768 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,632 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,649 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,819 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact 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 some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Clarendon Hills, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clarendon Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarendon Hills 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Clarendon Hills have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.