Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Lawn, IL (2023 Update)

  • Oak Lawn Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,400
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Lawn

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oak Lawn.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oak Lawn it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Oak Lawn, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,211, or $17,462 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Oak Lawn based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Oak Lawn homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Oak Lawn

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 Oak Lawn

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Oak Lawn, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Oak Lawn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Lawn

The cost of installing a solar system in Oak Lawn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oak Lawn to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 $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

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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Oak Lawn, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oak Lawn?

The average cost of solar panels in Oak Lawn 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Oak Lawn is currently $188,444, so you can expect a value of about $7,726 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Oak Lawn is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

Follow us