Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, IL (2023 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $12,341
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainfield
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Plainfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plainfield, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Plainfield homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,345 with the federal tax credit, or $17,653 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,266 |
| 3 years | $-12,115 |
| 5 years | $-11,964 |
| 7 years | $-11,814 |
| 9 years | $-11,663 |
| 11 years | $-11,512 |
| 13 years | $-11,361 |
| 15 years | $-11,211 |
| 17 years | $-11,060 |
| 19 years | $-10,909 |
| 21 years | $-10,758 |
| 23 years | $-10,608 |
| 25 years | $-10,457 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
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
See all of the solar companies in Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainfield
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Plainfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 with better efficiency or power generation 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 and kind of equipment you want 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Plainfield homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Plainfield homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,083 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,417 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,904 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,543 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,335 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,280 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,378 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,629 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Plainfield, 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:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Plainfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainfield?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Plainfield?
Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.