Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calumet City, IL (2024 Update)
- Calumet City Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $10,400
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calumet City
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Calumet City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Calumet City typically cost around 4.Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Calumet City, the average price of going solar will be about $16,818 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Calumet City homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Calumet City homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Calumet City for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Calumet City
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,662 |
3 years | $-13,350 |
5 years | $-11,038 |
7 years | $-8,725 |
9 years | $-6,413 |
11 years | $-4,100 |
13 years | $-1,788 |
15 years | $524 |
17 years | $2,837 |
19 years | $5,149 |
21 years | $7,461 |
23 years | $9,774 |
25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Calumet City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Calumet City, we've organized 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 Calumet City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calumet City
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Calumet City.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Calumet City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Calumet City, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Calumet City homeowners, they can also increase 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $4,808 | 19.3 years |
8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,832 | 19.0 years |
10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,066 | 18.6 years |
12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,511 | 18.2 years |
14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,166 | 17.9 years |
16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,032 | 17.5 years |
18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,109 | 17.1 years |
20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $23,396 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Calumet City, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Calumet City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Calumet City?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Calumet City. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Calumet City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Calumet City?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.