Solar Panel Cost Guide in Western Springs, IL (Mar 2023)

  • Western Springs Solar Installation Cost: $12,211
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,400
  • Payback Period: 13.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Western Springs

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Western Springs.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Western Springs, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Western Springs homeowner needs a 6.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,211 with the federal tax credit, or $17,462 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Western Springs find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Western Springs for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Western Springs

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,307
3 years $-9,498
5 years $-7,689
7 years $-5,880
9 years $-4,071
11 years $-2,262
13 years $-453
15 years $1,356
17 years $3,165
19 years $4,974
21 years $6,783
23 years $8,592
25 years $10,400

Top Solar Installers in Western Springs

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Western Springs:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Western Springs

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Western Springs

Although the average cost of a solar system in Western Springs is $12,211, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Western Springs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Western Springs average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Western Springs to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Western Springs, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $9,307 14.0 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $12,715 13.8 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $16,276 13.5 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $19,990 13.2 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $23,856 13.0 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $27,876 12.7 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $32,048 12.4 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $36,374 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Western Springs, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Western Springs, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Western Springs?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in Western Springs?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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