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

  • Hanover Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,400
  • Payback Period: 13.5 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Hanover

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hanover.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hanover generally cost around 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $12,211 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hanover homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Hanover see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Hanover that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Hanover

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,307
3 years $-9,498
5 years $-7,689
7 years $-5,880
9 years $-4,071
11 years $-2,262
13 years $-453
15 years $1,356
17 years $3,165
19 years $4,974
21 years $6,783
23 years $8,592
25 years $10,400

Top Solar Installers in Hanover

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Hanover

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hanover

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

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hanover, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hanover 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

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Hanover, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $9,307 14.0 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $12,715 13.8 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $16,276 13.5 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $19,990 13.2 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $23,856 13.0 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $27,876 12.7 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $32,048 12.4 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $36,374 12.2 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Hanover, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Hanover?

You can't get solar panels for free in Hanover. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Hanover?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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