Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnsburg, IL (2024 Update)
- Johnsburg Solar Installation Cost: $17,168
- 25-Year Savings: $10,147
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnsburg
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Johnsburg.
In Johnsburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Johnsburg, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,168, or $24,550 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high initial cost, the average Johnsburg homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Johnsburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Johnsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,012 |
| 3 years | $-13,700 |
| 5 years | $-11,387 |
| 7 years | $-9,075 |
| 9 years | $-6,762 |
| 11 years | $-4,450 |
| 13 years | $-2,138 |
| 15 years | $175 |
| 17 years | $2,487 |
| 19 years | $4,799 |
| 21 years | $7,112 |
| 23 years | $9,424 |
| 25 years | $11,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnsburg
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Johnsburg, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Johnsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnsburg
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Johnsburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Johnsburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Johnsburg to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnsburg is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $4,375 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,255 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,345 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,646 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,157 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,879 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,812 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,955 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Johnsburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Johnsburg, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnsburg?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Johnsburg?
Solar panels aren’t free in Johnsburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Johnsburg, 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 long do solar panels last in Johnsburg?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.