Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodstock, IL (2024 Update)

  • Woodstock Solar Installation Cost: $17,168
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,147
  • Payback Period: 19.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Woodstock

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Woodstock.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Woodstock, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Woodstock homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,168 with the federal tax credit, or $24,550 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Woodstock can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Woodstock

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,012
3 years $-13,700
5 years $-11,387
7 years $-9,075
9 years $-6,762
11 years $-4,450
13 years $-2,138
15 years $175
17 years $2,487
19 years $4,799
21 years $7,112
23 years $9,424
25 years $11,736

Top Solar Installers in Woodstock

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Woodstock

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodstock

There are many factors that can affect your 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 adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,760 per kilowatt in Woodstock.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Woodstock average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Woodstock homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Woodstock’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Woodstock are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 $3.91 $16,424 $4,375 19.7 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,255 19.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,345 19.0 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $10,646 18.6 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,157 18.2 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $15,879 17.8 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $18,812 17.5 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $21,955 17.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: When reading over 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 like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Woodstock, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Woodstock?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Woodstock?

Solar panels aren’t free in Woodstock, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Woodstock, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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