Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westmont, IL (2023 Update)
- Westmont Solar Installation Cost: $12,486
- 25-Year Savings: $10,126
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westmont
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Westmont.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westmont, the typical cost of solar panels is 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Westmont homeowners. The cost 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 most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Westmont homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Westmont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,410 |
| 3 years | $-12,260 |
| 5 years | $-12,109 |
| 7 years | $-11,958 |
| 9 years | $-11,807 |
| 11 years | $-11,657 |
| 13 years | $-11,506 |
| 15 years | $-11,355 |
| 17 years | $-11,204 |
| 19 years | $-11,054 |
| 21 years | $-10,903 |
| 23 years | $-10,752 |
| 25 years | $-10,601 |
Top Solar Installers in Westmont
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Westmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westmont
While the average cost of a solar system in Westmont is $12,479, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Westmont. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Westmont average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Westmont provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Westmont, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $8,840 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,093 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,498 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,057 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $22,768 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $26,632 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $30,649 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $34,819 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Westmont, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Westmont is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westmont?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Westmont, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 their energy production 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.