Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheaton, IL (Mar 2023)
- Wheaton Solar Installation Cost: $12,479
- 25-Year Savings: $11,089
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheaton
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Wheaton.
The average cost of solar panels in Wheaton is 2.73 per watt. The average Wheaton homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,479 with the federal tax credit, or $17,845 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wheaton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,536 |
| 3 years | $-9,651 |
| 5 years | $-7,765 |
| 7 years | $-5,880 |
| 9 years | $-3,994 |
| 11 years | $-2,109 |
| 13 years | $-223 |
| 15 years | $1,662 |
| 17 years | $3,548 |
| 19 years | $5,433 |
| 21 years | $7,319 |
| 23 years | $9,204 |
| 25 years | $11,089 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheaton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Wheaton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheaton
For many Wheaton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wheaton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wheaton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Wheaton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, 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 installation company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $9,719 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,264 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,962 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,813 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,817 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,974 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $33,284 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $37,747 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Wheaton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheaton?
The average cost of solar panels in Wheaton is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wheaton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Wheaton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.