Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elburn, IL (2024 Update)
- Elburn Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
- 25-Year Savings: $13,909
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elburn
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elburn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Elburn it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,188 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Elburn homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elburn
| 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 Elburn
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
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 Elburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elburn
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Elburn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Elburn, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Elburn have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Elburn’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due 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 | $7,821 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,850 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $14,088 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $17,538 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $21,198 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $25,068 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $29,149 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $33,441 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
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 Elburn, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elburn?
The average cost of solar panels in Elburn is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Elburn have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.