Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Park, IL (2024 Update)
- Forest Park Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Park
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Forest Park.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Forest Park typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Forest Park, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,818, or $24,050 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Forest Park based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Forest Park homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Forest Park, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest Park
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,662 |
3 years | $-13,350 |
5 years | $-11,038 |
7 years | $-8,725 |
9 years | $-6,413 |
11 years | $-4,100 |
13 years | $-1,788 |
15 years | $524 |
17 years | $2,837 |
19 years | $5,149 |
21 years | $7,461 |
23 years | $9,774 |
25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Park
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Forest Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Park
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Forest Park is $16,818, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Forest Park have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Forest Park, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $4,808 | 19.3 years |
8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,832 | 19.0 years |
10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,066 | 18.6 years |
12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,511 | 18.2 years |
14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,166 | 17.9 years |
16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,032 | 17.5 years |
18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,109 | 17.1 years |
20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,396 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Forest Park, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest Park?
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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forest Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Forest Park, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Forest Park?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce 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.