Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hinsdale, IL (2023 Update)
- Hinsdale Solar Installation Cost: $12,345
- 25-Year Savings: $10,267
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hinsdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hinsdale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hinsdale, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Hinsdale homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,345 with the federal tax credit, or $17,653 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Hinsdale based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Hinsdale homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Hinsdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hinsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,441 |
| 3 years | $-9,632 |
| 5 years | $-7,823 |
| 7 years | $-6,014 |
| 9 years | $-4,205 |
| 11 years | $-2,396 |
| 13 years | $-587 |
| 15 years | $1,222 |
| 17 years | $3,031 |
| 19 years | $4,840 |
| 21 years | $6,649 |
| 23 years | $8,458 |
| 25 years | $10,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Hinsdale
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Hinsdale, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 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 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 a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Hinsdale, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hinsdale, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hinsdale, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hinsdale is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,074 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,404 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,887 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,523 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,312 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,254 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,349 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,596 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Hinsdale, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hinsdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Hinsdale is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hinsdale?
Solar panels aren't free in Hinsdale, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hinsdale?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Hinsdale?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.