Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Dundee, IL (2023 Update)
- West Dundee Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
- 25-Year Savings: $10,132
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Dundee
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in West Dundee.
In West Dundee, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in West Dundee is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,479 for a solar installation, or $17,845 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in West Dundee depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in West Dundee can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Dundee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,404 |
| 3 years | $-12,253 |
| 5 years | $-12,103 |
| 7 years | $-11,952 |
| 9 years | $-11,801 |
| 11 years | $-11,650 |
| 13 years | $-11,500 |
| 15 years | $-11,349 |
| 17 years | $-11,198 |
| 19 years | $-11,047 |
| 21 years | $-10,897 |
| 23 years | $-10,746 |
| 25 years | $-10,595 |
Top Solar Installers in West Dundee
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Dundee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Dundee
The cost of installing a solar system in West Dundee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Dundee, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Dundee to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Dundee, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $8,851 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,107 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,516 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,077 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,792 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,660 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,680 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,853 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 large 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 West Dundee, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Dundee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Dundee?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Dundee. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout West Dundee, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.