Solar Panel Cost Guide in Joliet, IL (2024 Update)
- Joliet Solar Installation Cost: $17,026
- 25-Year Savings: $10,366
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Joliet
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Joliet.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Joliet typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,026 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Joliet depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Joliet find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Joliet for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Joliet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,870 |
| 3 years | $-13,558 |
| 5 years | $-11,246 |
| 7 years | $-8,933 |
| 9 years | $-6,621 |
| 11 years | $-4,309 |
| 13 years | $-1,996 |
| 15 years | $316 |
| 17 years | $2,629 |
| 19 years | $4,941 |
| 21 years | $7,253 |
| 23 years | $9,566 |
| 25 years | $11,878 |
Top Solar Installers in Joliet
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Joliet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Joliet
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Joliet average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,656 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,629 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,813 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,208 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,812 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,628 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,654 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,890 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Joliet, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Joliet?
The average cost of solar panels in Joliet is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as 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 Joliet?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Joliet, 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 you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Joliet is currently $228,334, so you can expect a value of about $9,362 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Joliet is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher level 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.