Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boulder Hill, IL (2024 Update)
- Boulder Hill Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
- 25-Year Savings: $10,228
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boulder Hill
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Boulder Hill.
The average cost of a solar system in Boulder Hill is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,056 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boulder Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,900 |
| 3 years | $-13,587 |
| 5 years | $-11,275 |
| 7 years | $-8,963 |
| 9 years | $-6,650 |
| 11 years | $-4,338 |
| 13 years | $-2,025 |
| 15 years | $287 |
| 17 years | $2,599 |
| 19 years | $4,912 |
| 21 years | $7,224 |
| 23 years | $9,536 |
| 25 years | $11,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Boulder Hill
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Boulder Hill:
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
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
See all of the solar companies in Boulder Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boulder Hill
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Boulder Hill, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Boulder Hill offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Boulder Hill, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 choose a 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 | $4,512 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,438 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,573 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,920 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,477 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,244 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,222 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,411 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your 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:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing 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
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
EcoWatch's Boulder Hill, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Boulder Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Boulder Hill 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.