Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crystal Lake, IL (2024 Update)

  • Crystal Lake Solar Installation Cost: $17,168
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,147
  • Payback Period: 19.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crystal Lake

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Crystal Lake.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Crystal Lake typically cost about 4.The average Crystal Lake homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,168 with the federal tax credit, or $24,550 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Crystal Lake, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Crystal Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,012
3 years $-13,700
5 years $-11,387
7 years $-9,075
9 years $-6,762
11 years $-4,450
13 years $-2,138
15 years $175
17 years $2,487
19 years $4,799
21 years $7,112
23 years $9,424
25 years $11,736

Top Solar Installers in Crystal Lake

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Crystal Lake:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Crystal Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crystal Lake

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Crystal Lake is $17,168, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,760. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Crystal Lake, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower 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 adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Crystal Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger 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 $4,375 19.7 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,255 19.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,345 19.0 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $10,646 18.6 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,157 18.2 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $15,879 17.8 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $18,812 17.5 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $21,955 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Crystal Lake, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crystal Lake?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Crystal Lake is currently $327,451, so you can expect a value of about $13,425 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Crystal Lake is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.

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