Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheaton, IL (2024 Update)
- Wheaton Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
- 25-Year Savings: $11,083
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheaton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Wheaton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Wheaton is 4 per watt.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Wheaton, the average price of going solar will be about $17,196 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wheaton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wheaton find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Wheaton
| 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 Wheaton
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are several 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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Wheaton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheaton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Wheaton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,760. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Wheaton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Wheaton, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $5,220 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,381 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,752 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,334 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,127 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,130 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,344 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,769 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Wheaton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Wheaton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheaton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wheaton?
Solar panels aren’t free in Wheaton, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Wheaton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Wheaton?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.