Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarendon Hills, IL (2024 Update)
- Clarendon Hills Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
- 25-Year Savings: $10,126
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarendon Hills
We break down average solar pricing in Clarendon Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clarendon Hills, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Clarendon Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $17,196 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Clarendon Hills depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clarendon Hills find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Clarendon Hills for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clarendon Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,040 |
| 3 years | $-13,728 |
| 5 years | $-11,415 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,791 |
| 11 years | $-4,478 |
| 13 years | $-2,166 |
| 15 years | $146 |
| 17 years | $2,459 |
| 19 years | $4,771 |
| 21 years | $7,083 |
| 23 years | $9,396 |
| 25 years | $11,708 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarendon Hills
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Clarendon Hills, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Clarendon Hills, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Clarendon Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarendon Hills
The cost of installing a solar system in Clarendon Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean 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 notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,341 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,210 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,288 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,578 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,078 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,788 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,709 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,841 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Clarendon Hills, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarendon Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarendon Hills is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Clarendon Hills?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clarendon Hills, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.