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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saratoga
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Saratoga.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Saratoga it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $16,937 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Saratoga homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Saratoga can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Saratoga that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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 company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in Saratoga, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Saratoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saratoga
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Saratoga, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Saratoga to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Saratoga homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Saratoga, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification 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: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Saratoga, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saratoga?
The average cost of solar panels in Saratoga 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Saratoga?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Saratoga. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Saratoga?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally 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.