Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Charles, IL (2024 Update)

  • St. Charles Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,135
  • Payback Period: 16.8 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 St. Charles

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Charles.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. Charles, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in St. Charles, the average price of going solar will be about $17,188 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in St. Charles depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in St. Charles can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in St. Charles for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in St. Charles

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,032
3 years $-13,719
5 years $-11,407
7 years $-9,094
9 years $-6,782
11 years $-4,470
13 years $-2,157
15 years $155
17 years $2,467
19 years $4,780
21 years $7,092
23 years $9,404
25 years $11,717

Top Solar Installers in St. Charles

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 St. Charles

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Charles

The cost of installing a solar system in St. Charles can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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 energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many St. Charles homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in St. Charles, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in St. Charles know more 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 size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.91 $16,424 $7,111 17.4 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $9,902 17.1 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $12,904 16.8 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $16,116 16.4 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $19,540 16.1 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $23,173 15.8 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $27,017 15.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $31,072 15.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

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 St. Charles, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Charles?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in St. Charles?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $784.48 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.

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