Solar Panel Cost Guide in Looking Glass, IL (Mar 2023)
- Looking Glass Solar Installation Cost: $11,695
- 25-Year Savings: $13,665
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Looking Glass
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Looking Glass.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Looking Glass it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,695 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Looking Glass can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Looking Glass, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Looking Glass
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,681 |
| 3 years | $-8,652 |
| 5 years | $-6,623 |
| 7 years | $-4,594 |
| 9 years | $-2,566 |
| 11 years | $-537 |
| 13 years | $1,492 |
| 15 years | $3,521 |
| 17 years | $5,550 |
| 19 years | $7,578 |
| 21 years | $9,607 |
| 23 years | $11,636 |
| 25 years | $13,665 |
Top Solar Installers in Looking Glass
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Looking Glass
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Looking Glass
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Looking Glass: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 around $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Looking Glass, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Looking Glass is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,931 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,547 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $22,316 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $27,238 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $32,313 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $37,541 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $42,921 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $48,455 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
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 Looking Glass, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Looking Glass?
The average cost of solar panels in Looking Glass is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Looking Glass?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Looking Glass is currently $162,822, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,676 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Looking Glass is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.