Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sycamore, IL (2024 Update)
- Sycamore Solar Installation Cost: $17,092
- 25-Year Savings: $11,812
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sycamore
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Sycamore.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sycamore it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sycamore is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,092 for a solar installation, or $24,442 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Sycamore depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sycamore can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sycamore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,936 |
| 3 years | $-13,624 |
| 5 years | $-11,311 |
| 7 years | $-8,999 |
| 9 years | $-6,687 |
| 11 years | $-4,374 |
| 13 years | $-2,062 |
| 15 years | $251 |
| 17 years | $2,563 |
| 19 years | $4,875 |
| 21 years | $7,188 |
| 23 years | $9,500 |
| 25 years | $11,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Sycamore
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 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 Sycamore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sycamore
While the average cost of a solar system in Sycamore is $17,092, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt in Sycamore.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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 companies in Sycamore offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Sycamore’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,468 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,378 | 19.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,499 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,831 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,373 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,125 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,089 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,262 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It’s important to read through 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 installation process.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 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 Sycamore, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sycamore?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sycamore?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sycamore. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Sycamore?
Although 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 decide to replace them after having 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.