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

  • Frankfort Square 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 Square

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Frankfort Square.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Frankfort Square generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $12,345 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Frankfort Square

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 Square

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 Square

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankfort Square

For many Frankfort Square homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Frankfort Square, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Frankfort Square, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Frankfort Square, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Frankfort Square homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Frankfort Square homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Frankfort Square is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better 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 lower to compete with bigger names.

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

The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:

  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

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 Square, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Frankfort Square?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Frankfort Square?

You can't get solar panels for free in Frankfort Square. 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?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Frankfort Square, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Frankfort Square?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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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