Solar Panel Cost Guide in Deerfield, IL (Mar 2023)

  • Deerfield Solar Installation Cost: $12,154
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,458
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Deerfield

We break down average solar pricing in Deerfield.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Deerfield generally cost around 2.73. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Deerfield, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,154, or $17,380 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Deerfield depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Deerfield

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,249
3 years $-9,441
5 years $-7,632
7 years $-5,823
9 years $-4,014
11 years $-2,205
13 years $-396
15 years $1,413
17 years $3,222
19 years $5,031
21 years $6,840
23 years $8,649
25 years $10,458

Top Solar Installers in Deerfield

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Deerfield:

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Deerfield

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Deerfield

For many Deerfield homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Deerfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Deerfield, 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

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Deerfield, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Deerfield, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 $9,419 14.0 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $12,864 13.7 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $16,463 13.4 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $20,214 13.2 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $24,118 12.9 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $28,175 12.6 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $32,384 12.4 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $36,747 12.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and 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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Deerfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Deerfield?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Deerfield?

You can't get solar panels for free in Deerfield. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Deerfield?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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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