Solar Panel Cost Guide in Steger, IL (2025 Update)
- Steger Solar Installation Cost: $16,907
- 25-Year Savings: $10,336
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steger
We break down average solar pricing in Steger.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Steger it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Steger is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,907 for a solar installation, or $24,177 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Steger that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Steger
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,751 |
| 3 years | $-13,439 |
| 5 years | $-11,127 |
| 7 years | $-8,814 |
| 9 years | $-6,502 |
| 11 years | $-4,189 |
| 13 years | $-1,877 |
| 15 years | $435 |
| 17 years | $2,748 |
| 19 years | $5,060 |
| 21 years | $7,372 |
| 23 years | $9,685 |
| 25 years | $11,997 |
Top Solar Installers in Steger
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Steger
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Steger
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Steger: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Steger average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Steger, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Steger’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $4,696 | 19.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,683 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,880 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,287 | 18.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,906 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,734 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,774 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,023 | 16.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
EcoWatch's Steger, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Steger?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Steger?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Steger have a net metering program?
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 electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.