Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kankakee, IL (2024 Update)
- Kankakee Solar Installation Cost: $16,867
- 25-Year Savings: $11,254
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kankakee
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Kankakee.
In Kankakee, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Kankakee is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,867 for a solar installation, or $24,120 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Kankakee homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kankakee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,710 |
| 3 years | $-13,398 |
| 5 years | $-11,086 |
| 7 years | $-8,773 |
| 9 years | $-6,461 |
| 11 years | $-4,149 |
| 13 years | $-1,836 |
| 15 years | $476 |
| 17 years | $2,789 |
| 19 years | $5,101 |
| 21 years | $7,413 |
| 23 years | $9,726 |
| 25 years | $12,038 |
Top Solar Installers in Kankakee
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Kankakee, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 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 is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,760. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Kankakee average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kankakee, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Kankakee, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,579 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,860 | 18.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,351 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $13,053 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,966 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $19,089 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,423 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,967 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Kankakee, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kankakee?
The average cost of solar panels in Kankakee 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 consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to 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.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 install 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.