Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fox Lake, IL (2024 Update)
- Fox Lake Solar Installation Cost: $16,901
- 25-Year Savings: $10,340
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fox Lake
We break down average solar pricing in Fox Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fox Lake, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fox Lake, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,901, or $24,168 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Fox Lake based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Fox Lake, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fox Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,745 |
| 3 years | $-13,433 |
| 5 years | $-11,120 |
| 7 years | $-8,808 |
| 9 years | $-6,496 |
| 11 years | $-4,183 |
| 13 years | $-1,871 |
| 15 years | $441 |
| 17 years | $2,754 |
| 19 years | $5,066 |
| 21 years | $7,378 |
| 23 years | $9,691 |
| 25 years | $12,003 |
Top Solar Installers in Fox Lake
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fox Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fox Lake
Though the average cost of a solar system in Fox Lake is $16,901, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fox Lake, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fox Lake, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable 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 | $4,704 | 19.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,693 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,892 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,302 | 18.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,923 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,754 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,796 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,049 | 16.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Fox Lake, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fox Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Fox Lake 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fox Lake?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fox Lake. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $704.25 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.