Solar Panel Cost Guide in Du Page, IL (2023 Update)
- Du Page Solar Installation Cost: $16,997
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Du Page
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Du Page.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Du Page generally cost about 2.73.The average solar panel system size in Du Page is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,345 for a solar installation, or $17,653 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Du Page can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Du Page for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Du Page
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,841 |
| 3 years | $-13,529 |
| 5 years | $-11,216 |
| 7 years | $-8,904 |
| 9 years | $-6,592 |
| 11 years | $-4,279 |
| 13 years | $-1,967 |
| 15 years | $345 |
| 17 years | $2,658 |
| 19 years | $4,970 |
| 21 years | $7,282 |
| 23 years | $9,595 |
| 25 years | $11,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Du Page
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Du Page
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Du Page
Though the average cost of a solar system in Du Page is $12,345, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Du Page, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Du Page, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $4,584 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,534 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,694 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,064 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,645 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,436 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,438 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,651 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Du Page, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Du Page?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Du Page?
Solar panels aren't free in Du Page, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Du Page?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.