Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, IL (2024 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $16,997
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainfield
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Plainfield.
In Plainfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $16,997 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plainfield find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Plainfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,841 |
| 3 years | $-13,529 |
| 5 years | $-11,216 |
| 7 years | $-8,904 |
| 9 years | $-6,592 |
| 11 years | $-4,279 |
| 13 years | $-1,967 |
| 15 years | $345 |
| 17 years | $2,658 |
| 19 years | $4,970 |
| 21 years | $7,282 |
| 23 years | $9,595 |
| 25 years | $11,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainfield
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainfield
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plainfield is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $4,584 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,534 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,694 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,064 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,645 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,436 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,438 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,651 | 16.9 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 brands 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 various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Plainfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainfield?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Plainfield?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Plainfield. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Plainfield is currently $364,303, which means you could be looking at a value of about $14,936 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Plainfield is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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.