Solar Panel Cost Guide in Darien, IL (Mar 2023)
- Darien Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
- 25-Year Savings: $10,133
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Darien
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Darien.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Darien it's 2.73 per watt. The average Darien homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,479 with the federal tax credit, or $17,845 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Darien homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Darien, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Darien
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,574 |
| 3 years | $-9,765 |
| 5 years | $-7,956 |
| 7 years | $-6,148 |
| 9 years | $-4,339 |
| 11 years | $-2,530 |
| 13 years | $-721 |
| 15 years | $1,088 |
| 17 years | $2,897 |
| 19 years | $4,706 |
| 21 years | $6,515 |
| 23 years | $8,324 |
| 25 years | $10,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Darien
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Darien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Darien
While the average cost of a solar system in Darien is $12,479, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Darien, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Darien, 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 more impactful. 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 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 (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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.