Solar Panel Cost Guide in Steger, IL (2023 Update)
- Steger Solar Installation Cost: $12,269
- 25-Year Savings: $10,343
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steger
We go over average solar pricing in Steger.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Steger generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $12,269 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Steger homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Steger
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,364 |
| 3 years | $-9,555 |
| 5 years | $-7,746 |
| 7 years | $-5,937 |
| 9 years | $-4,128 |
| 11 years | $-2,319 |
| 13 years | $-511 |
| 15 years | $1,298 |
| 17 years | $3,107 |
| 19 years | $4,916 |
| 21 years | $6,725 |
| 23 years | $8,534 |
| 25 years | $10,343 |
Top Solar Installers in Steger
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Steger
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Steger
For many Steger homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Steger, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Steger, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Steger average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Steger homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Steger, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,195 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,566 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,090 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,766 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,596 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,578 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,713 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,001 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Steger, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Steger?
The average cost of solar panels in Steger is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Steger?
A solar panel system isn't free in Steger, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Steger?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.