Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glencoe, IL (2023 Update)

  • Glencoe Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,393
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Glencoe

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

The average cost of a solar system in Glencoe is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Glencoe is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,211 for a solar installation, or $17,462 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Glencoe

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,129
3 years $-11,965
5 years $-11,801
7 years $-11,637
9 years $-11,473
11 years $-11,309
13 years $-11,145
15 years $-10,981
17 years $-10,817
19 years $-10,653
21 years $-10,489
23 years $-10,325
25 years $-10,161

Top Solar Installers in Glencoe

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.

If you're searching for a solar company in Glencoe, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Glencoe

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glencoe

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

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Glencoe, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Glencoe homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Glencoe homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Glencoe, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 $2.84 $11,925 $11,178 12.9 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $15,210 12.7 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $19,394 12.4 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $23,732 12.2 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $28,222 11.9 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $32,865 11.7 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $37,662 11.4 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $42,611 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Glencoe, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Glencoe?

The average cost of solar panels in Glencoe is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels significantly reduce 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 $770.09 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.

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