Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Chicago, IL (2023 Update)
- West Chicago Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
- 25-Year Savings: $16,231
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Chicago
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in West Chicago.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Chicago it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $12,479 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Chicago
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,330 |
| 3 years | $-9,034 |
| 5 years | $-6,737 |
| 7 years | $-4,440 |
| 9 years | $-2,143 |
| 11 years | $153 |
| 13 years | $2,450 |
| 15 years | $4,747 |
| 17 years | $7,044 |
| 19 years | $9,341 |
| 21 years | $11,637 |
| 23 years | $13,934 |
| 25 years | $16,231 |
Top Solar Installers in West Chicago
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 West Chicago
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Chicago
Although the average cost of a solar system in West Chicago is $12,479, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in West Chicago, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Chicago, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout West Chicago, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $14,440 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $19,560 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $24,832 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $30,257 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $35,835 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $41,566 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $47,449 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $53,486 | 9.8 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 West Chicago, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Chicago?
The average cost of solar panels in West Chicago 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in West Chicago?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Chicago. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.