Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland, IL (2023 Update)
- Highland Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $14,677
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Highland.
In Highland, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Highland homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,695 with the federal tax credit, or $16,724 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Highland homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Highland homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,640 |
| 3 years | $-8,531 |
| 5 years | $-6,421 |
| 7 years | $-4,311 |
| 9 years | $-2,201 |
| 11 years | $-92 |
| 13 years | $2,018 |
| 15 years | $4,128 |
| 17 years | $6,238 |
| 19 years | $8,347 |
| 21 years | $10,457 |
| 23 years | $12,567 |
| 25 years | $14,677 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Highland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Highland is $11,695, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Highland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Highland, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Highland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 want 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 | $13,941 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $18,894 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $23,999 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $29,258 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $34,669 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $40,233 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $45,950 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $51,820 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When looking 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Highland, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland?
The average cost of solar panels in Highland 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 certain factors like 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 Highland?
Solar panels aren't free in Highland, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Highland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 decreases 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.