Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prospect Heights, IL (2023 Update)
- Prospect Heights Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prospect Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Prospect Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Prospect Heights it's 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Prospect Heights, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,211, or $17,462 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prospect Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,055 |
| 3 years | $-8,743 |
| 5 years | $-6,430 |
| 7 years | $-4,118 |
| 9 years | $-1,806 |
| 11 years | $507 |
| 13 years | $2,819 |
| 15 years | $5,131 |
| 17 years | $7,444 |
| 19 years | $9,756 |
| 21 years | $12,068 |
| 23 years | $14,381 |
| 25 years | $16,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Prospect Heights
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Prospect Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prospect Heights
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Prospect Heights is $12,211, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge 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 — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Prospect Heights, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar companies in Prospect Heights offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Prospect Heights, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,307 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,715 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,276 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,990 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,856 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,876 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,048 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,374 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Prospect Heights, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prospect Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Prospect Heights is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Prospect Heights?
A solar panel system isn't free in Prospect Heights, 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 can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Prospect Heights?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility 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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.