Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake In The Hills, IL (2023 Update)
- Lake In The Hills Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
- 25-Year Savings: $10,152
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake In The Hills
We go over average solar pricing in Lake In The Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lake In The Hills, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lake In The Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $12,460 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake In The Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,555 |
| 3 years | $-9,746 |
| 5 years | $-7,937 |
| 7 years | $-6,128 |
| 9 years | $-4,319 |
| 11 years | $-2,511 |
| 13 years | $-702 |
| 15 years | $1,107 |
| 17 years | $2,916 |
| 19 years | $4,725 |
| 21 years | $6,534 |
| 23 years | $8,343 |
| 25 years | $10,152 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake In The Hills
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Lake In The Hills, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 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 In The Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake In The Hills
While the average cost of a solar system in Lake In The Hills is $12,460, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 Lake In The Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lake In The Hills is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $8,875 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,138 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,555 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,125 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,848 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,723 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,751 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,933 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 In The Hills, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake In The Hills?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lake In The Hills?
You can't get solar panels for free in Lake In The Hills. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $693.31 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Lake In The Hills?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.