Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Barrington, IL (2025 Update)
- South Barrington Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Barrington
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in South Barrington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Barrington, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in South Barrington, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,818, or $24,050 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average South Barrington homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average South Barrington homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in South Barrington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,662 |
| 3 years | $-13,350 |
| 5 years | $-11,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,725 |
| 9 years | $-6,413 |
| 11 years | $-4,100 |
| 13 years | $-1,788 |
| 15 years | $524 |
| 17 years | $2,837 |
| 19 years | $5,149 |
| 21 years | $7,461 |
| 23 years | $9,774 |
| 25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in South Barrington
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in South Barrington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Barrington
The cost of installing a solar system in South Barrington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in South Barrington.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many South Barrington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. South Barrington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $4,808 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,832 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,066 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,511 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,166 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,032 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,109 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,396 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's South Barrington, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Barrington?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Barrington?
You can’t get solar panels for free in South Barrington. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout South Barrington, 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.