Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crest Hill, IL (2023 Update)
- Crest Hill Solar Installation Cost: $12,345
- 25-Year Savings: $10,267
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crest Hill
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Crest Hill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Crest Hill it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Crest Hill is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,345 for a solar installation, or $17,653 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Crest Hill based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crest Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,441 |
| 3 years | $-9,632 |
| 5 years | $-7,823 |
| 7 years | $-6,014 |
| 9 years | $-4,205 |
| 11 years | $-2,396 |
| 13 years | $-587 |
| 15 years | $1,222 |
| 17 years | $3,031 |
| 19 years | $4,840 |
| 21 years | $6,649 |
| 23 years | $8,458 |
| 25 years | $10,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Crest Hill
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Crest Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crest Hill
Although the average cost of a solar system in Crest Hill is $12,345, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 that have greater efficiency or power production use 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 $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $9,083 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,417 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,904 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,543 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,335 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,280 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,378 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,629 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Crest Hill, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crest Hill?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Crest Hill?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.