Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Aurora, IL (2023 Update)
- North Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
- 25-Year Savings: $13,496
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Aurora
We break down average solar pricing in North Aurora.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Aurora typically cost about 2.73. The average North Aurora homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,479 with the federal tax credit, or $17,845 before the 30% 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 based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Aurora find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in North Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,440 |
| 3 years | $-9,362 |
| 5 years | $-7,284 |
| 7 years | $-5,206 |
| 9 years | $-3,128 |
| 11 years | $-1,050 |
| 13 years | $1,028 |
| 15 years | $3,106 |
| 17 years | $5,184 |
| 19 years | $7,262 |
| 21 years | $9,340 |
| 23 years | $11,418 |
| 25 years | $13,496 |
Top Solar Installers in North Aurora
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 North Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Aurora
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in North Aurora, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Aurora average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Aurora to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. North Aurora's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,941 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $16,227 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $20,666 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $25,258 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $30,003 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $34,900 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $39,951 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $45,154 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 North Aurora, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Aurora?
The average cost of solar panels in North Aurora 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Aurora?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does North Aurora have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.