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
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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 average 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.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Woodstock based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Woodstock homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Woodstock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodstock
Although the average cost of a solar system in Woodstock is $17,168, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Woodstock.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Woodstock’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Woodstock, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodstock?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for 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 can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
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 the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.