Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale Heights, IL (2023 Update)
- Glendale Heights Solar Installation Cost: $12,486
- 25-Year Savings: $10,126
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale Heights
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Glendale Heights.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glendale Heights generally cost around 2.73. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Glendale Heights, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,479, or $17,845 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Glendale Heights can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Glendale Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,410 |
| 3 years | $-12,260 |
| 5 years | $-12,109 |
| 7 years | $-11,958 |
| 9 years | $-11,807 |
| 11 years | $-11,657 |
| 13 years | $-11,506 |
| 15 years | $-11,355 |
| 17 years | $-11,204 |
| 19 years | $-11,054 |
| 21 years | $-10,903 |
| 23 years | $-10,752 |
| 25 years | $-10,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Glendale Heights
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Glendale Heights, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Glendale Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale Heights
For many Glendale Heights homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glendale Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Glendale Heights. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Glendale Heights, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Glendale Heights, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,840 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,093 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,498 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,057 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,768 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,632 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,649 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,819 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project 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 large role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Glendale Heights, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glendale Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Glendale Heights 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Glendale Heights is currently $224,607, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,209 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Glendale Heights is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger 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.