Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodridge, IL (2023 Update)
- Woodridge Solar Installation Cost: $12,345
- 25-Year Savings: $10,840
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodridge
We break down average solar pricing in Woodridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Woodridge it's 2.73 per watt. The average Woodridge homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,345 with the federal tax credit, or $17,653 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Woodridge homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,418 |
| 3 years | $-9,563 |
| 5 years | $-7,708 |
| 7 years | $-5,853 |
| 9 years | $-3,998 |
| 11 years | $-2,143 |
| 13 years | $-289 |
| 15 years | $1,566 |
| 17 years | $3,421 |
| 19 years | $5,276 |
| 21 years | $7,131 |
| 23 years | $8,986 |
| 25 years | $10,840 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodridge
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Woodridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodridge
The cost of installing a solar system in Woodridge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 Woodridge. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Woodridge, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Woodridge homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger 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 remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Woodridge, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $9,610 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,119 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,781 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,596 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,563 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,684 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,958 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $37,384 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Woodridge, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodridge 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Woodridge?
You can't get solar panels for free in Woodridge. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Woodridge have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.