Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Villa, IL (Feb 2023)
- Lake Villa Solar Installation Cost: $12,078
- 25-Year Savings: $10,534
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Villa
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Lake Villa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lake Villa it's $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Lake Villa, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,078, or $8,938 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Lake Villa homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Lake Villa, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Villa
| 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 Villa
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Lake Villa:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Lake Villa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Villa
While the average cost of a solar system in Lake Villa is $12,078, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you choose 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra 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 Lake Villa to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Lake Villa homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Lake Villa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lake Villa are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial 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 completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Lake Villa, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Villa?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Lake Villa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Lake Villa. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.