Solar Panel Cost Guide in Byron, IL (2024 Update)

  • Byron Solar Installation Cost: $17,094
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,200
  • Payback Period: 18.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Byron

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Byron.

The average cost of a solar system in Byron is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Byron is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,094 for a solar installation, or $24,444 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Byron

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,938
3 years $-13,626
5 years $-11,313
7 years $-9,001
9 years $-6,689
11 years $-4,376
13 years $-2,064
15 years $248
17 years $2,561
19 years $4,873
21 years $7,186
23 years $9,498
25 years $11,810

Top Solar Installers in Byron

Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Byron

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Byron

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Byron is $17,094, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,760. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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 a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer 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 operating in Byron, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $4,465 19.7 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,375 19.3 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,495 18.9 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $10,826 18.5 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,367 18.1 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $16,119 17.8 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $19,081 17.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $22,254 17.0 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 efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Byron, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Byron?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Byron?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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