Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Chicago, IL (2024 Update)
- West Chicago Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
- 25-Year Savings: $16,224
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Chicago
We break down average solar pricing in West Chicago.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Chicago it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Chicago, the average price of going solar will be about $17,196 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average West Chicago homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in West Chicago, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Chicago
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,040 |
| 3 years | $-13,728 |
| 5 years | $-11,415 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,791 |
| 11 years | $-4,478 |
| 13 years | $-2,166 |
| 15 years | $146 |
| 17 years | $2,459 |
| 19 years | $4,771 |
| 21 years | $7,083 |
| 23 years | $9,396 |
| 25 years | $11,708 |
Top Solar Installers in West Chicago
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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
See all of the solar companies in West Chicago
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Chicago
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in West Chicago: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in West Chicago, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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 installers in West Chicago offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $9,941 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $13,676 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $17,622 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $21,778 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $26,145 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $30,722 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $35,509 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $40,508 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
EcoWatch's West Chicago, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Chicago?
The average cost of solar panels in West Chicago is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Chicago is currently $335,567, so you could be looking at a value of about $13,758 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Chicago is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in West Chicago?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.