Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hawthorn Woods, IL (2024 Update)
- Hawthorn Woods 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 Hawthorn Woods
We go over average solar pricing in Hawthorn Woods.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hawthorn Woods generally cost around 4.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Hawthorn Woods, the average price of going solar will be about $16,643 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Hawthorn Woods based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hawthorn Woods
| 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 Hawthorn Woods
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Hawthorn Woods
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorn Woods
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hawthorn Woods: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,760. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hawthorn Woods average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hawthorn Woods homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Hawthorn Woods’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Hawthorn Woods, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hawthorn Woods?
The average cost of solar panels in Hawthorn Woods 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 consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hawthorn Woods?
Solar panels aren’t free in Hawthorn Woods, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Hawthorn Woods?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.