Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kankakee, IL (2023 Update)
- Kankakee Solar Installation Cost: $12,246
- 25-Year Savings: $11,254
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kankakee
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Kankakee.
The average cost of solar panels in Kankakee is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kankakee is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,250 for a solar installation, or $17,518 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Kankakee homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Kankakee for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kankakee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,090 |
| 3 years | $-8,778 |
| 5 years | $-6,465 |
| 7 years | $-4,153 |
| 9 years | $-1,841 |
| 11 years | $472 |
| 13 years | $2,784 |
| 15 years | $5,097 |
| 17 years | $7,409 |
| 19 years | $9,721 |
| 21 years | $12,034 |
| 23 years | $14,346 |
| 25 years | $16,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Kankakee
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Kankakee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kankakee
The cost of installing a solar system in Kankakee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Kankakee, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kankakee to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Kankakee homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Kankakee's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better 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 down 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $10,078 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,743 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,561 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,532 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,656 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,933 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,362 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,945 | 11.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Kankakee, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kankakee?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Kankakee?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.