Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillside, IL (2025 Update)
- Hillside Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillside
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Hillside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hillside it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hillside is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,818 for a solar installation, or $24,050 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hillside can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Hillside for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hillside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,662 |
| 3 years | $-13,350 |
| 5 years | $-11,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,725 |
| 9 years | $-6,413 |
| 11 years | $-4,100 |
| 13 years | $-1,788 |
| 15 years | $524 |
| 17 years | $2,837 |
| 19 years | $5,149 |
| 21 years | $7,461 |
| 23 years | $9,774 |
| 25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillside
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Hillside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillside
For many Hillside homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably 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 key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation 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 $3,760.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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment 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 Hillside to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hillside is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Hillside are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $4,808 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,832 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,066 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,511 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,166 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,032 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,109 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,396 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though 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 how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Hillside, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillside?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hillside?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hillside?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get 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.