Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glen Ellyn, IL (2024 Update)
- Glen Ellyn Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
- 25-Year Savings: $10,126
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glen Ellyn
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Glen Ellyn.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Glen Ellyn it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,196 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Glen Ellyn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glen Ellyn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,040 |
| 3 years | $-13,728 |
| 5 years | $-11,415 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,791 |
| 11 years | $-4,478 |
| 13 years | $-2,166 |
| 15 years | $146 |
| 17 years | $2,459 |
| 19 years | $4,771 |
| 21 years | $7,083 |
| 23 years | $9,396 |
| 25 years | $11,708 |
Top Solar Installers in Glen Ellyn
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Glen Ellyn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glen Ellyn
For many Glen Ellyn homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glen Ellyn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Glen Ellyn.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Glen Ellyn, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Glen Ellyn’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $4,341 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,210 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,288 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,578 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,078 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,788 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,709 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,841 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Even though 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 the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Glen Ellyn, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glen Ellyn?
The average cost of solar panels in Glen Ellyn 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Glen Ellyn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives 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 will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Glen Ellyn is currently $483,771, so you can expect a value of about $19,835 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Glen Ellyn is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Glen Ellyn?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.