Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plano, IL (2023 Update)
- Plano Solar Installation Cost: $12,383
- 25-Year Savings: $11,042
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plano
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Plano.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Plano is 2.73 per watt. The average Plano homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,383 with the federal tax credit, or $17,708 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Plano that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,446 |
| 3 years | $-9,572 |
| 5 years | $-7,698 |
| 7 years | $-5,824 |
| 9 years | $-3,950 |
| 11 years | $-2,076 |
| 13 years | $-202 |
| 15 years | $1,672 |
| 17 years | $3,546 |
| 19 years | $5,420 |
| 21 years | $7,294 |
| 23 years | $9,168 |
| 25 years | $11,042 |
Top Solar Installers in Plano
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Plano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plano
For many Plano homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plano, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Plano, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Plano, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Plano offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Plano, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Plano have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $9,765 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,326 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,039 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,906 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,925 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,097 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $33,422 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $37,900 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Plano, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plano?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Plano have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 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.