Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland, IL (2025 Update)

  • Highland Solar Installation Cost: $16,101
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,681
  • Payback Period: 15.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Highland

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Highland.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $16,101 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Highland based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Highland for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Highland

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,250
3 years$-13,549
5 years$-11,848
7 years$-10,147
9 years$-8,445
11 years$-6,744
13 years$-5,043
15 years$-3,341
17 years$-1,640
19 years$61
21 years$1,763
23 years$3,464
25 years$5,165

Top Solar Installers in Highland

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Highland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland

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

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Highland.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Highland to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Highland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$9,44215.9 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$13,01015.6 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$16,78915.3 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$20,77915.0 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$24,97914.7 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$29,38914.3 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$34,01114.0 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$38,84213.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Highland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Highland is currently $231,155, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,477 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Highland is a fruitful investment.

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 buy 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.