Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saratoga, IL (2024 Update)

  • Saratoga Solar Installation Cost: $16,937
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,314
  • Payback Period: 18.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Saratoga

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Saratoga.

In Saratoga, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Saratoga, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,937, or $24,220 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Saratoga for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Saratoga

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,781
3 years $-13,469
5 years $-11,157
7 years $-8,844
9 years $-6,532
11 years $-4,219
13 years $-1,907
15 years $405
17 years $2,718
19 years $5,030
21 years $7,342
23 years $9,655
25 years $11,967

Top Solar Installers in Saratoga

Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

See all of the solar companies in Saratoga

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saratoga

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Saratoga: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.There are a lot of 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 choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

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 Saratoga homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Saratoga is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Saratoga are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.91 $16,424 $4,659 19.5 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,633 19.1 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,817 18.7 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $11,212 18.4 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,818 18.0 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $16,634 17.6 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $19,661 17.2 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $22,899 16.9 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

EcoWatch's Saratoga, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saratoga?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Saratoga?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Saratoga. 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.

Does Saratoga have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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.

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