Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dundee, IL (2024 Update)

  • Dundee Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,132
  • Payback Period: 19.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Dundee

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dundee.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dundee it’s 4 per watt.The average Dundee homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,188 with the federal tax credit, or $24,579 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Dundee homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dundee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,032
3 years $-13,719
5 years $-11,407
7 years $-9,094
9 years $-6,782
11 years $-4,470
13 years $-2,157
15 years $155
17 years $2,467
19 years $4,780
21 years $7,092
23 years $9,404
25 years $11,717

Top Solar Installers in Dundee

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Dundee, optimizing your ROI.

Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Dundee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dundee

The cost of installing a solar system in Dundee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dundee, 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 a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dundee, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Dundee homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Dundee’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $4,352 19.8 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,223 19.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,306 19.0 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $10,599 18.6 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,102 18.2 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $15,816 17.9 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $18,740 17.5 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $21,875 17.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Dundee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

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

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Dundee, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dundee?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for 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 certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dundee is currently $333,281, so you can expect a value of about $13,665 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dundee is a fruitful investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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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