Solar Panel Cost Guide in Park Forest, IL (2023 Update)
- Park Forest Solar Installation Cost: $12,269
- 25-Year Savings: $10,343
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Park Forest
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Park Forest.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Park Forest typically cost around 2.73. The average Park Forest homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,269 with the federal tax credit, or $17,545 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Park Forest homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Park Forest homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Park Forest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,364 |
| 3 years | $-9,555 |
| 5 years | $-7,746 |
| 7 years | $-5,937 |
| 9 years | $-4,128 |
| 11 years | $-2,319 |
| 13 years | $-511 |
| 15 years | $1,298 |
| 17 years | $3,107 |
| 19 years | $4,916 |
| 21 years | $6,725 |
| 23 years | $8,534 |
| 25 years | $10,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Park Forest
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Park Forest, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Park Forest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Park Forest
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than 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
Most solar companies in Park Forest offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Park Forest, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Park Forest have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,195 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,566 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,090 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,766 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,596 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,578 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,713 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,001 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Park Forest, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Park Forest, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Park Forest?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Park Forest?
A solar panel system isn't free in Park Forest, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Park Forest?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.