Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Deerfield, IL (2023 Update)
- West Deerfield 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 West Deerfield
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West Deerfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Deerfield generally cost about 2.73. Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Deerfield, the average price of going solar will be about $12,078 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Deerfield 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. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Deerfield see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Deerfield
| 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 West Deerfield
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar company in West Deerfield, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
See all of the solar companies in West Deerfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Deerfield
For many West Deerfield homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Deerfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in West Deerfield. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Deerfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's West Deerfield, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Deerfield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Deerfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in West Deerfield?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.