Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eldorado, IL (2025 Update)
- Eldorado Solar Installation Cost: $15,963
- 25-Year Savings: $11,783
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eldorado
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Eldorado.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Eldorado it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Eldorado is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,963 for a solar installation, or $22,827 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Eldorado depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Eldorado homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Eldorado for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Eldorado
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,112 |
| 3 years | $-13,411 |
| 5 years | $-11,709 |
| 7 years | $-10,008 |
| 9 years | $-8,307 |
| 11 years | $-6,605 |
| 13 years | $-4,904 |
| 15 years | $-3,203 |
| 17 years | $-1,502 |
| 19 years | $200 |
| 21 years | $1,901 |
| 23 years | $3,602 |
| 25 years | $5,304 |
Top Solar Installers in Eldorado
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Eldorado, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Eldorado
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eldorado
The cost of installing a solar system in Eldorado can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Eldorado offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Eldorado, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $6,699 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,353 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,218 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $15,293 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $18,579 | 16.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $22,075 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $25,782 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $29,699 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
EcoWatch's Eldorado, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eldorado?
The average cost of solar panels in Eldorado is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Eldorado is currently $60,767, so you can expect a value of about $2,491 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Eldorado is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.