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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Joliet
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Joliet.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Joliet, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Joliet, the average price of going solar will be about $17,026 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Joliet depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Joliet find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Joliet, 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 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Joliet can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Joliet, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Joliet homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Joliet homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Joliet?
Solar panels aren’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 can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Joliet?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.