Solar Panel Cost Guide in Huntley, IL (2024 Update)
- Huntley Solar Installation Cost: $17,178
- 25-Year Savings: $10,139
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Huntley
We break down average solar pricing in Huntley.
In Huntley, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Huntley is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,178 for a solar installation, or $24,565 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Huntley homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Huntley for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Huntley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,022 |
| 3 years | $-13,709 |
| 5 years | $-11,397 |
| 7 years | $-9,085 |
| 9 years | $-6,772 |
| 11 years | $-4,460 |
| 13 years | $-2,148 |
| 15 years | $165 |
| 17 years | $2,477 |
| 19 years | $4,790 |
| 21 years | $7,102 |
| 23 years | $9,414 |
| 25 years | $11,727 |
Top Solar Installers in Huntley
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Huntley, 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
See all of the solar companies in Huntley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntley
For many Huntley homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Huntley, 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
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Huntley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,364 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,239 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,326 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,622 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,130 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,848 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,776 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,915 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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
EcoWatch's Huntley, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Huntley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Huntley?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Huntley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.