Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northlake, IL (2024 Update)
- Northlake Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northlake
We break down average solar pricing in Northlake.
In Northlake, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Northlake is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,818 for a solar installation, or $24,050 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Northlake homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Northlake homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,662 |
| 3 years | $-13,350 |
| 5 years | $-11,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,725 |
| 9 years | $-6,413 |
| 11 years | $-4,100 |
| 13 years | $-1,788 |
| 15 years | $524 |
| 17 years | $2,837 |
| 19 years | $5,149 |
| 21 years | $7,461 |
| 23 years | $9,774 |
| 25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Northlake
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Northlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northlake
The cost of installing a solar system in Northlake can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Northlake.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,808 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,832 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,066 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,511 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,166 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,032 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,109 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,396 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Northlake, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northlake?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Northlake?
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 Northlake?
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 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.