Solar Panel Cost Guide in York, IL (2024 Update)
- York Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
- 25-Year Savings: $10,126
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in York
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in York.
In York, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average York homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,196 with the federal tax credit, or $24,590 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of York homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in York can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in York that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in York
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,040 |
| 3 years | $-13,728 |
| 5 years | $-11,415 |
| 7 years | $-9,103 |
| 9 years | $-6,791 |
| 11 years | $-4,478 |
| 13 years | $-2,166 |
| 15 years | $146 |
| 17 years | $2,459 |
| 19 years | $4,771 |
| 21 years | $7,083 |
| 23 years | $9,396 |
| 25 years | $11,708 |
Top Solar Installers in York
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in York:
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 York
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in York
For many York homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in York, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in York.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in York to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in York, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $4,341 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,210 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,288 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,578 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,078 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,788 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,709 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,841 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in York, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 York, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in York?
The average cost of solar panels in York is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in York?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in York is currently $467,341, which means you could be looking at a value of about $19,161 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in York is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in York?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.