Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bradley, IL (2024 Update)
- Bradley Solar Installation Cost: $16,867
- 25-Year Savings: $10,366
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bradley
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bradley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bradley, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bradley, the average price of going solar will be about $16,867 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bradley find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bradley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,710 |
| 3 years | $-13,398 |
| 5 years | $-11,086 |
| 7 years | $-8,773 |
| 9 years | $-6,461 |
| 11 years | $-4,149 |
| 13 years | $-1,836 |
| 15 years | $476 |
| 17 years | $2,789 |
| 19 years | $5,101 |
| 21 years | $7,413 |
| 23 years | $9,726 |
| 25 years | $12,038 |
Top Solar Installers in Bradley
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Bradley, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bradley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bradley
For many Bradley homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bradley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 Bradley.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bradley to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Bradley homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $4,747 | 19.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,751 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,965 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,390 | 18.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,025 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,871 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,927 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,194 | 16.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Bradley, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bradley?
The average cost of solar panels in Bradley 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bradley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.