Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hinsdale, IL (2024 Update)
- Hinsdale Solar Installation Cost: $17,005
- 25-Year Savings: $10,265
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hinsdale
We break down average solar pricing in Hinsdale.
In Hinsdale, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,005 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Hinsdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hinsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,849 |
| 3 years | $-13,537 |
| 5 years | $-11,224 |
| 7 years | $-8,912 |
| 9 years | $-6,600 |
| 11 years | $-4,287 |
| 13 years | $-1,975 |
| 15 years | $337 |
| 17 years | $2,650 |
| 19 years | $4,962 |
| 21 years | $7,274 |
| 23 years | $9,587 |
| 25 years | $11,899 |
Top Solar Installers in Hinsdale
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Hinsdale, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Hinsdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hinsdale
For many Hinsdale homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hinsdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hinsdale provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,575 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,521 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,677 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,044 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,622 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,410 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,409 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,618 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Hinsdale, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hinsdale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hinsdale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hinsdale. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $699.94 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Hinsdale?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.