Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plano, IL (2024 Update)
- Plano Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
- 25-Year Savings: $11,042
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plano
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Plano.
In Plano, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Plano, the average price of going solar will be about $17,056 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plano find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,900 |
| 3 years | $-13,587 |
| 5 years | $-11,275 |
| 7 years | $-8,963 |
| 9 years | $-6,650 |
| 11 years | $-4,338 |
| 13 years | $-2,025 |
| 15 years | $287 |
| 17 years | $2,599 |
| 19 years | $4,912 |
| 21 years | $7,224 |
| 23 years | $9,536 |
| 25 years | $11,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Plano
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a vetted 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Plano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plano
For many Plano homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Plano, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Plano homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Plano is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,266 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,442 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,829 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,427 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,235 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,253 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,483 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,922 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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
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 Plano, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plano?
The average cost of solar panels in Plano is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.