Solar Panel Cost Guide in Looking Glass, IL (2024 Update)
- Looking Glass Solar Installation Cost: $16,112
- 25-Year Savings: $13,662
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Looking Glass
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Looking Glass.
The average cost of solar panels in Looking Glass is 4 per watt.The average Looking Glass homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,112 with the federal tax credit, or $23,040 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Looking Glass can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Looking Glass for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Looking Glass
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,262 |
| 3 years | $-13,560 |
| 5 years | $-11,859 |
| 7 years | $-10,158 |
| 9 years | $-8,457 |
| 11 years | $-6,755 |
| 13 years | $-5,054 |
| 15 years | $-3,353 |
| 17 years | $-1,651 |
| 19 years | $50 |
| 21 years | $1,751 |
| 23 years | $3,452 |
| 25 years | $5,154 |
Top Solar Installers in Looking Glass
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
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 Looking Glass
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Looking Glass
For many Looking Glass homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Looking Glass, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,760. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Looking Glass average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Looking Glass to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Looking Glass is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Looking Glass have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $8,432 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $11,664 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,106 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $18,759 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $22,623 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $26,697 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $30,981 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $35,477 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects 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: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
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 Looking Glass, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Looking Glass?
The average cost of solar panels in Looking Glass is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like 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 things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Looking Glass?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.