Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willowbrook, IL (2023 Update)
- Willowbrook 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 Willowbrook
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Willowbrook.
The average cost of a solar system in Willowbrook is 2.73 per watt. The average Willowbrook 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 true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Willowbrook based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Willowbrook can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willowbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,329 |
| 3 years | $-9,017 |
| 5 years | $-6,705 |
| 7 years | $-4,392 |
| 9 years | $-2,080 |
| 11 years | $232 |
| 13 years | $2,545 |
| 15 years | $4,857 |
| 17 years | $7,169 |
| 19 years | $9,482 |
| 21 years | $11,794 |
| 23 years | $14,107 |
| 25 years | $16,419 |
Top Solar Installers in Willowbrook
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Willowbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willowbrook
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Willowbrook. The kind 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Willowbrook average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Willowbrook to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Willowbrook's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Willowbrook, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Willowbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Willowbrook 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 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 Willowbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Willowbrook?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.