Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carol Stream, IL (2024 Update)

  • Carol Stream Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,514
  • Payback Period: 16.5 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 Carol Stream

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carol Stream.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carol Stream it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Carol Stream is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,196 for a solar installation, or $24,590 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.

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

Solar savings over time in Carol Stream

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,040
3 years $-13,728
5 years $-11,415
7 years $-9,103
9 years $-6,791
11 years $-4,478
13 years $-2,166
15 years $146
17 years $2,459
19 years $4,771
21 years $7,083
23 years $9,396
25 years $11,708

Top Solar Installers in Carol Stream

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Carol Stream

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carol Stream

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Carol Stream: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Carol Stream.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Carol Stream, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carol Stream to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Carol Stream, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $7,453 17.2 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $10,358 16.9 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $13,474 16.5 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $16,800 16.2 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $20,337 15.9 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $24,085 15.5 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $28,043 15.2 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $32,211 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Carol Stream, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.

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 Carol Stream, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carol Stream?

The average cost of solar panels in Carol Stream 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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