Solar Panel Cost Guide in Round Lake Beach, IL (2024 Update)

  • Round Lake Beach Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,528
  • Payback Period: 18.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Round Lake Beach

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Round Lake Beach.

In Round Lake Beach, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Round Lake Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $16,643 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Round Lake Beach find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Round Lake Beach

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,487
3 years$-13,174
5 years$-10,862
7 years$-8,550
9 years$-6,237
11 years$-3,925
13 years$-1,612
15 years$700
17 years$3,012
19 years$5,325
21 years$7,637
23 years$9,949
25 years$12,262

Top Solar Installers in Round Lake Beach

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Round Lake Beach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Round Lake Beach

Though the average cost of a solar system in Round Lake Beach is $16,643, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require 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 $3,760.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Round Lake Beach homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Round Lake Beach, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Round Lake Beach have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$5,03219.1 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$7,13018.8 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$9,43918.4 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$11,95918.0 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$14,68917.7 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$17,63017.3 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$20,78116.9 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$24,14316.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Round Lake Beach, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Round Lake Beach?

The average cost of solar panels in Round Lake Beach 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Round Lake Beach?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Round Lake Beach. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Round Lake Beach, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.