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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Litchfield it’s 4 per watt.The average North Litchfield homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,306 with the federal tax credit, or $23,318 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in North Litchfield based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Litchfield find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
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 North Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Litchfield
There are many factors that can influence your solar system 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 price of a solar panel system in North Litchfield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Litchfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in North Litchfield offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in North Litchfield, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $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 many companies to choose from in North Litchfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
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 North Litchfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Litchfield?
The average cost of solar panels in North Litchfield is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Litchfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in North Litchfield?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in North Litchfield?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.