Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darien, IL (2023 Update)
- Darien Solar Installation Cost: $12,486
- 25-Year Savings: $10,126
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darien
We break down average solar pricing in Darien.
The average cost of solar panels in Darien is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $12,479 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Darien
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,410 |
| 3 years | $-12,260 |
| 5 years | $-12,109 |
| 7 years | $-11,958 |
| 9 years | $-11,807 |
| 11 years | $-11,657 |
| 13 years | $-11,506 |
| 15 years | $-11,355 |
| 17 years | $-11,204 |
| 19 years | $-11,054 |
| 21 years | $-10,903 |
| 23 years | $-10,752 |
| 25 years | $-10,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Darien
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Darien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darien
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Darien: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, 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 panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Darien, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Darien?
The average cost of solar panels in Darien 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Darien?
You can't get solar panels for free in Darien. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Darien?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install 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.