Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodside, IL (2024 Update)
- Woodside Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
- 25-Year Savings: $14,310
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodside
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Woodside.
In Woodside, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $16,461 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Woodside homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,610 |
| 3 years | $-13,909 |
| 5 years | $-12,208 |
| 7 years | $-10,506 |
| 9 years | $-8,805 |
| 11 years | $-7,104 |
| 13 years | $-5,402 |
| 15 years | $-3,701 |
| 17 years | $-2,000 |
| 19 years | $-299 |
| 21 years | $1,403 |
| 23 years | $3,104 |
| 25 years | $4,805 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodside
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Woodside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodside
Though the average cost of a solar system in Woodside is $16,461, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Woodside, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Woodside, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.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 specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $8,771 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $12,116 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $15,671 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $19,437 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $23,413 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $27,600 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $31,998 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $36,606 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Woodside, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodside?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodside is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Woodside?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.