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

  • Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,177
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,651
  • Payback Period: 15.9 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 Fairfield

We go over average solar pricing in Fairfield.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fairfield, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fairfield, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,177, or $23,133 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fairfield homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Fairfield for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Fairfield

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,326
3 years $-13,625
5 years $-11,924
7 years $-10,222
9 years $-8,521
11 years $-6,820
13 years $-5,119
15 years $-3,417
17 years $-1,716
19 years $-15
21 years $1,687
23 years $3,388
25 years $5,089

Top Solar Installers in Fairfield

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fairfield, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Fairfield

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield

The cost of installing a solar system in Fairfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,760.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fairfield, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 $8,369 16.6 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $11,579 16.2 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $15,000 15.9 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $18,632 15.6 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $22,474 15.3 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $26,527 15.0 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $30,791 14.7 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $35,265 14.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.

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 Fairfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fairfield?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

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 Fairfield is currently $94,284, so you can look forward to a value of about $3,866 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fairfield is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Fairfield?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.

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