Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tinley Park, IL (2024 Update)

  • Tinley Park Solar Installation Cost: $16,907
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,336
  • Payback Period: 18.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tinley Park

See how much it might cost to go solar in Tinley Park.

In Tinley Park, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Tinley Park 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.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Tinley Park homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Tinley Park for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Tinley Park

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 Tinley Park

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Tinley Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tinley Park

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tinley Park: 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tinley Park to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When trying to figure out 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

The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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

The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types 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, including:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though 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 offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Tinley Park, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tinley Park?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tinley Park?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $703.99 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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.

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