Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wauconda, IL (2023 Update)
- Wauconda Solar Installation Cost: $12,078
- 25-Year Savings: $10,534
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wauconda
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Wauconda.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wauconda, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Wauconda, the average price of going solar will be about $12,078 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Wauconda homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Wauconda, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wauconda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,173 |
| 3 years | $-9,364 |
| 5 years | $-7,555 |
| 7 years | $-5,746 |
| 9 years | $-3,937 |
| 11 years | $-2,128 |
| 13 years | $-319 |
| 15 years | $1,490 |
| 17 years | $3,298 |
| 19 years | $5,107 |
| 21 years | $6,916 |
| 23 years | $8,725 |
| 25 years | $10,534 |
Top Solar Installers in Wauconda
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Wauconda, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Wauconda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wauconda
For many Wauconda homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wauconda, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wauconda average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Wauconda homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 a lot of companies available in Wauconda, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Wauconda, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wauconda?
The average cost of solar panels in Wauconda is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Wauconda?
You can't get solar panels for free in Wauconda. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Wauconda?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Wauconda?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.