Solar Panel Cost Guide in Midlothian, IL (2024 Update)

  • Midlothian Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,400
  • Payback Period: 18.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Midlothian

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Midlothian.

In Midlothian, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Midlothian homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,818 with the federal tax credit, or $24,050 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Midlothian find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Midlothian

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,662
3 years$-13,350
5 years$-11,038
7 years$-8,725
9 years$-6,413
11 years$-4,100
13 years$-1,788
15 years$524
17 years$2,837
19 years$5,149
21 years$7,461
23 years$9,774
25 years$12,086

Top Solar Installers in Midlothian

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Midlothian

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Midlothian

There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Midlothian, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Midlothian, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$4,80819.3 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$6,83219.0 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$9,06618.6 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$11,51118.2 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$14,16617.9 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$17,03217.5 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$20,10917.1 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$23,39616.7 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Midlothian, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Midlothian?

The average cost of solar panels in Midlothian 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Midlothian?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.

Does Midlothian have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy 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.