Solar Panel Cost Guide in Naperville, IL (2023 Update)
- Naperville Solar Installation Cost: $12,422
- 25-Year Savings: $11,266
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Naperville
We break down average solar pricing in Naperville.
The average cost of a solar system in Naperville is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $12,422 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Naperville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Naperville find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Naperville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Naperville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,474 |
| 3 years | $-9,579 |
| 5 years | $-7,684 |
| 7 years | $-5,789 |
| 9 years | $-3,894 |
| 11 years | $-1,999 |
| 13 years | $-104 |
| 15 years | $1,791 |
| 17 years | $3,686 |
| 19 years | $5,581 |
| 21 years | $7,476 |
| 23 years | $9,371 |
| 25 years | $11,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Naperville
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Naperville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Naperville
The cost of installing a solar system in Naperville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Naperville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Naperville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $9,956 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,580 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,358 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,288 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,371 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,607 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $33,995 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,537 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Naperville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Naperville?
The average cost of solar panels in Naperville 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Naperville?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Naperville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.