Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Bluff, IL (2023 Update)
- Lake Bluff Solar Installation Cost: $12,078
- 25-Year Savings: $10,534
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Bluff
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lake Bluff.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lake Bluff, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Lake Bluff homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,078 with the federal tax credit, or $17,272 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Lake Bluff based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average Lake Bluff homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Bluff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,173 |
| 3 years | $-9,364 |
| 5 years | $-7,555 |
| 7 years | $-5,746 |
| 9 years | $-3,937 |
| 11 years | $-2,128 |
| 13 years | $-319 |
| 15 years | $1,490 |
| 17 years | $3,298 |
| 19 years | $5,107 |
| 21 years | $6,916 |
| 23 years | $8,725 |
| 25 years | $10,534 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Bluff
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Lake Bluff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Bluff
For many Lake Bluff homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lake Bluff, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Lake Bluff. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Lake Bluff homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Lake Bluff's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,531 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,014 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,649 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,438 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,379 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,473 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,721 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $37,121 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Lake Bluff, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Bluff?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Bluff is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Lake Bluff?
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.
How long do solar panels last in Lake Bluff?
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.