Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crest Hill, IL (2024 Update)
- Crest Hill Solar Installation Cost: $16,997
- 25-Year Savings: $11,907
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crest Hill
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Crest Hill.
In Crest Hill, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Crest Hill, the average price of going solar will be about $16,997 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Crest Hill homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crest Hill
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,841 |
3 years | $-13,529 |
5 years | $-11,216 |
7 years | $-8,904 |
9 years | $-6,592 |
11 years | $-4,279 |
13 years | $-1,967 |
15 years | $345 |
17 years | $2,658 |
19 years | $4,970 |
21 years | $7,282 |
23 years | $9,595 |
25 years | $11,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Crest Hill
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Crest Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crest Hill
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Crest Hill is $16,997, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 Crest Hill to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Crest Hill’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $4,584 | 19.5 years |
8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,534 | 19.2 years |
10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,694 | 18.8 years |
12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,064 | 18.4 years |
14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,645 | 18.0 years |
16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,436 | 17.7 years |
18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,438 | 17.3 years |
20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,651 | 16.9 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Crest Hill, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Crest Hill?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Crest Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Crest Hill?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Crest Hill?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.