Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wadsworth, IL (2023 Update)
- Wadsworth Solar Installation Cost: $12,084
- 25-Year Savings: $10,528
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wadsworth
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Wadsworth.
In Wadsworth, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Wadsworth homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,078 with the federal tax credit, or $17,272 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wadsworth homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Wadsworth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,008 |
| 3 years | $-11,858 |
| 5 years | $-11,707 |
| 7 years | $-11,556 |
| 9 years | $-11,405 |
| 11 years | $-11,255 |
| 13 years | $-11,104 |
| 15 years | $-10,953 |
| 17 years | $-10,802 |
| 19 years | $-10,652 |
| 21 years | $-10,501 |
| 23 years | $-10,350 |
| 25 years | $-10,199 |
Top Solar Installers in Wadsworth
DIY 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 an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Wadsworth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wadsworth
For many Wadsworth homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wadsworth, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Wadsworth offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. 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 promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,531 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,014 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,649 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,438 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,379 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,473 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,721 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $37,121 | 12.0 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Wadsworth, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wadsworth?
The average cost of solar panels in Wadsworth is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wadsworth?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wadsworth is currently $208,410, which means you could be looking at a value of about $8,545 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wadsworth is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.