Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northbrook, IL (2023 Update)
- Northbrook Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
- 25-Year Savings: $11,596
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northbrook
We break down average solar pricing in Northbrook.
The average cost of a solar system in Northbrook is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Northbrook is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,211 for a solar installation, or $17,462 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Northbrook find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Northbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,132 |
| 3 years | $-11,973 |
| 5 years | $-11,814 |
| 7 years | $-11,656 |
| 9 years | $-11,497 |
| 11 years | $-11,338 |
| 13 years | $-11,180 |
| 15 years | $-11,021 |
| 17 years | $-10,862 |
| 19 years | $-10,703 |
| 21 years | $-10,545 |
| 23 years | $-10,386 |
| 25 years | $-10,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Northbrook
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Northbrook:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Northbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northbrook
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Northbrook: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northbrook, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Northbrook, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,430 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $14,212 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $18,147 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $22,235 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $26,476 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $30,870 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $35,416 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $40,116 | 11.5 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Northbrook, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northbrook?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Northbrook?
Solar panels aren't free in Northbrook, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Northbrook, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 get 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.