Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugar Grove, IL (2024 Update)
- Sugar Grove Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
- 25-Year Savings: $11,717
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugar Grove
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sugar Grove.
In Sugar Grove, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,188 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sugar Grove homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sugar Grove
| 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 Sugar Grove
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Sugar Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugar Grove
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Most solar installers in Sugar Grove offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Sugar Grove’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $5,486 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,736 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,196 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,867 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,748 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,840 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,143 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,656 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence 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 take into account, such as:
- 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.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Sugar Grove, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sugar Grove?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sugar Grove?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Sugar Grove have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sugar Grove?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.