Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palos Heights, IL (2023 Update)
- Palos Heights Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palos Heights
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Palos Heights.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Palos Heights typically cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Palos Heights 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.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palos Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,055 |
| 3 years | $-8,743 |
| 5 years | $-6,430 |
| 7 years | $-4,118 |
| 9 years | $-1,806 |
| 11 years | $507 |
| 13 years | $2,819 |
| 15 years | $5,131 |
| 17 years | $7,444 |
| 19 years | $9,756 |
| 21 years | $12,068 |
| 23 years | $14,381 |
| 25 years | $16,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Palos Heights
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Palos Heights:
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 Palos Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palos Heights
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Palos Heights is $12,211, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a 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 a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Palos Heights to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Palos Heights homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Palos Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable 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 check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Palos Heights, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palos Heights?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Palos Heights?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 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.