Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Park, IL (2024 Update)

  • Highland Park Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,528
  • Payback Period: 18.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Park

We go over average solar pricing in Highland Park.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highland Park, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Highland Park is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,643 for a solar installation, or $23,799 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Highland Park based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Highland Park can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Highland Park

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 Highland Park

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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

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 Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Park

For many Highland Park homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Highland Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several 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 some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Highland Park, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

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

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 Park, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland Park?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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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