Solar Panel Cost Guide in Itasca, IL (Mar 2023)

  • Itasca Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,133
  • Payback Period: 13.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Itasca

Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Itasca.

In Itasca, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Itasca, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,479, or $17,845 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Itasca see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Itasca, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Itasca

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,574
3 years $-9,765
5 years $-7,956
7 years $-6,148
9 years $-4,339
11 years $-2,530
13 years $-721
15 years $1,088
17 years $2,897
19 years $4,706
21 years $6,515
23 years $8,324
25 years $10,133

Top Solar Installers in Itasca

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Itasca, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Itasca

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Itasca

Although the average cost of a solar system in Itasca is $12,479, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

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 crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Itasca provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you 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 installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Itasca, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 $2.84 $11,925 $8,840 14.4 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $12,093 14.1 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $15,498 13.8 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $19,057 13.5 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $22,768 13.3 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $26,632 13.0 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $30,649 12.7 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $34,819 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Itasca, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Itasca, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Itasca?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Itasca?

Solar panels aren't free in Itasca, 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 you can take advantage of.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Itasca is currently $281,111, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,526 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Itasca is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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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