Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dekalb, IL (2023 Update)
- Dekalb Solar Installation Cost: $12,402
- 25-Year Savings: $10,209
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dekalb
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dekalb.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dekalb, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Dekalb homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,402 with the federal tax credit, or $17,735 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dekalb homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dekalb find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Dekalb for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dekalb
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,498 |
| 3 years | $-9,689 |
| 5 years | $-7,880 |
| 7 years | $-6,071 |
| 9 years | $-4,262 |
| 11 years | $-2,453 |
| 13 years | $-644 |
| 15 years | $1,165 |
| 17 years | $2,974 |
| 19 years | $4,783 |
| 21 years | $6,591 |
| 23 years | $8,400 |
| 25 years | $10,209 |
Top Solar Installers in Dekalb
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Dekalb:
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 Dekalb
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dekalb
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dekalb, 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 more impactful. 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 a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Dekalb, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dekalb is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $8,967 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,262 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,709 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,310 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,063 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,969 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,028 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,240 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Dekalb, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dekalb?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dekalb?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Dekalb?
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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.