Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northlake, IL (2023 Update)
- Northlake Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northlake
We break down average solar pricing in Northlake.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Northlake generally cost around 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $12,211 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Northlake can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northlake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,307 |
| 3 years | $-9,498 |
| 5 years | $-7,689 |
| 7 years | $-5,880 |
| 9 years | $-4,071 |
| 11 years | $-2,262 |
| 13 years | $-453 |
| 15 years | $1,356 |
| 17 years | $3,165 |
| 19 years | $4,974 |
| 21 years | $6,783 |
| 23 years | $8,592 |
| 25 years | $10,400 |
Top Solar Installers in Northlake
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Northlake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northlake
Although the average cost of a solar system in Northlake is $12,211, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Northlake, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,307 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,715 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,276 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,990 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,856 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,876 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,048 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,374 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, 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.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Northlake, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northlake?
The average cost of solar panels in Northlake is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northlake?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Northlake?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.