Solar Panel Cost Guide in Evanston, WY (2024 Update)
- Evanston Solar Installation Cost: $35,460
- 25-Year Savings: $42,963
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Evanston
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Evanston.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Evanston typically cost about 4.Since a 14.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Evanston, the average price of going solar will be about $35,460 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Evanston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-34,338 |
| 3 years | $-32,093 |
| 5 years | $-29,848 |
| 7 years | $-27,603 |
| 9 years | $-25,357 |
| 11 years | $-23,112 |
| 13 years | $-20,867 |
| 15 years | $-18,622 |
| 17 years | $-16,377 |
| 19 years | $-14,132 |
| 21 years | $-11,887 |
| 23 years | $-9,642 |
| 25 years | $-7,397 |
Top Solar Installers in Evanston
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Evanston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Evanston
While the average cost of a solar system in Evanston is $35,460, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Evanston 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 Evanston homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Evanston homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Evanston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $13,374 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $18,233 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $23,292 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $28,552 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $34,013 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $39,673 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $45,535 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $51,597 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Evanston, WY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Evanston?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.