Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fremont, IL (2024 Update)
- Fremont Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
- 25-Year Savings: $10,528
- Payback Period: 18.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fremont
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fremont.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fremont typically cost around 4.The average Fremont homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,643 with the federal tax credit, or $23,799 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Fremont homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Fremont for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fremont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,487 |
| 3 years | $-13,174 |
| 5 years | $-10,862 |
| 7 years | $-8,550 |
| 9 years | $-6,237 |
| 11 years | $-3,925 |
| 13 years | $-1,612 |
| 15 years | $700 |
| 17 years | $3,012 |
| 19 years | $5,325 |
| 21 years | $7,637 |
| 23 years | $9,949 |
| 25 years | $12,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Fremont
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Fremont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fremont
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Fremont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Fremont, 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 total cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fremont to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind 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 installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $5,032 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,130 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,439 | 18.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,959 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,689 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,630 | 17.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,781 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,143 | 16.6 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Fremont, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fremont?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Fremont have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.