Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palos Park, IL (2024 Update)

  • Palos Park Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,400
  • Payback Period: 18.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Palos Park

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Palos Park.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Palos Park typically cost about 4.The average Palos Park homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,818 with the federal tax credit, or $24,050 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Palos Park homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Palos Park find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Palos Park, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Palos Park

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 Palos Park

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Palos Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palos Park

The cost of installing a solar system in Palos Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on 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

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Palos Park, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Palos Park homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Palos Park, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Palos Park have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Palos Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Palos Park, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Palos Park?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost 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 less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Palos Park?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Palos Park?

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 higher 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.

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