Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodside, IL (2023 Update)
- Woodside Solar Installation Cost: $11,944
- 25-Year Savings: $14,318
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodside
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Woodside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Woodside it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Woodside, the average price of going solar will be about $11,944 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Woodside based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Woodside find going solar can pay off big.
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 Woodside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,893 |
| 3 years | $-8,792 |
| 5 years | $-6,691 |
| 7 years | $-4,590 |
| 9 years | $-2,489 |
| 11 years | $-388 |
| 13 years | $1,712 |
| 15 years | $3,813 |
| 17 years | $5,914 |
| 19 years | $8,015 |
| 21 years | $10,116 |
| 23 years | $12,217 |
| 25 years | $14,318 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodside
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Woodside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodside
The cost of installing a solar system in Woodside can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Woodside, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Woodside offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When estimating 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Woodside, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Woodside have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $13,270 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,999 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $22,881 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $27,916 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $33,104 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $38,444 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $43,938 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $49,584 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Woodside, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Woodside, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodside?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $839.82 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.