Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Litchfield, IL (2024 Update)
- North Litchfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,306
- 25-Year Savings: $18,049
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Litchfield
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in North Litchfield.
The average cost of solar panels in North Litchfield is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $16,306 before the 0 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.With average savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Litchfield find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Litchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,455 |
| 3 years | $-13,754 |
| 5 years | $-12,053 |
| 7 years | $-10,352 |
| 9 years | $-8,650 |
| 11 years | $-6,949 |
| 13 years | $-5,248 |
| 15 years | $-3,546 |
| 17 years | $-1,845 |
| 19 years | $-144 |
| 21 years | $1,557 |
| 23 years | $3,259 |
| 25 years | $4,960 |
Top Solar Installers in North Litchfield
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in North Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Litchfield
Although the average cost of a solar system in North Litchfield is $16,306, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in North Litchfield.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Litchfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Litchfield to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for North Litchfield homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in North Litchfield, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,522 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $17,117 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $21,923 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $26,939 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $32,166 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $37,603 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $43,251 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $49,110 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in North Litchfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's North Litchfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Litchfield?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Litchfield?
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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in North Litchfield?
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 larger amount 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.