Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugar Grove, IL (Mar 2023)
- Sugar Grove Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
- 25-Year Savings: $11,367
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugar Grove
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Sugar Grove.
The average cost of a solar system in Sugar Grove is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sugar Grove, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,479, or $17,845 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Sugar Grove depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Sugar Grove homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Sugar Grove for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sugar Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,525 |
| 3 years | $-9,617 |
| 5 years | $-7,710 |
| 7 years | $-5,802 |
| 9 years | $-3,894 |
| 11 years | $-1,987 |
| 13 years | $-79 |
| 15 years | $1,829 |
| 17 years | $3,736 |
| 19 years | $5,644 |
| 21 years | $7,552 |
| 23 years | $9,459 |
| 25 years | $11,367 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugar Grove
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Sugar Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugar Grove
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sugar Grove average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sugar Grove, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Sugar Grove's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sugar Grove are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,985 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,619 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,406 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,346 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,438 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $29,684 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,082 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $38,634 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Sugar Grove, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugar Grove?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sugar Grove?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
Does Sugar Grove have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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.
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.