Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankfort, IL (Mar 2023)

  • Frankfort Solar Installation Cost: $12,345
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,267
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Frankfort

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Frankfort.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Frankfort generally cost around 2.73. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Frankfort, the average price of going solar will be about $12,345 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Frankfort depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Frankfort

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,441
3 years $-9,632
5 years $-7,823
7 years $-6,014
9 years $-4,205
11 years $-2,396
13 years $-587
15 years $1,222
17 years $3,031
19 years $4,840
21 years $6,649
23 years $8,458
25 years $10,267

Top Solar Installers in Frankfort

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Frankfort

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankfort

There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Frankfort, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Frankfort average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Frankfort to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Frankfort's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Frankfort know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.84 $11,925 $9,083 14.2 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $12,417 13.9 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $15,904 13.6 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $19,543 13.4 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $23,335 13.1 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $27,280 12.8 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $31,378 12.6 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $35,629 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Frankfort, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frankfort?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Frankfort?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $700.27 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Frankfort?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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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