Solar Panel Cost Guide in DeKalb, IL (2024 Update)
- DeKalb Solar Installation Cost: $17,092
- 25-Year Savings: $10,202
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in DeKalb
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in DeKalb.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in DeKalb it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,092 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in DeKalb see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in DeKalb that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in DeKalb
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,936 |
| 3 years | $-13,624 |
| 5 years | $-11,311 |
| 7 years | $-8,999 |
| 9 years | $-6,687 |
| 11 years | $-4,374 |
| 13 years | $-2,062 |
| 15 years | $251 |
| 17 years | $2,563 |
| 19 years | $4,875 |
| 21 years | $7,188 |
| 23 years | $9,500 |
| 25 years | $11,812 |
Top Solar Installers in DeKalb
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 DeKalb
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DeKalb
For many DeKalb homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in DeKalb, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in DeKalb, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in DeKalb is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $4,468 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,378 | 19.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,499 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,831 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,373 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,125 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,089 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,262 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in DeKalb, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's DeKalb, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in DeKalb?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient 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 cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in DeKalb?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.