Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winthrop Harbor, IL (2025 Update)

  • Winthrop Harbor Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,528
  • Payback Period: 18.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Winthrop Harbor

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Winthrop Harbor.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Winthrop Harbor generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $16,643 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Winthrop Harbor homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Winthrop Harbor homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Winthrop Harbor

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,487
3 years$-13,174
5 years$-10,862
7 years$-8,550
9 years$-6,237
11 years$-3,925
13 years$-1,612
15 years$700
17 years$3,012
19 years$5,325
21 years$7,637
23 years$9,949
25 years$12,262

Top Solar Installers in Winthrop Harbor

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Winthrop Harbor, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Winthrop Harbor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winthrop Harbor

For many Winthrop Harbor homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Winthrop Harbor, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $3,760 per kilowatt in Winthrop Harbor.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Winthrop Harbor, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Winthrop Harbor homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Winthrop Harbor homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$5,03219.1 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$7,13018.8 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$9,43918.4 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$11,95918.0 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$14,68917.7 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$17,63017.3 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$20,78116.9 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$24,14316.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Winthrop Harbor, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
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Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Winthrop Harbor, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winthrop Harbor?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Winthrop Harbor?

Although 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 opt to 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.