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

  • DeKalb Solar Installation Cost: $17,092
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,202
  • 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 DeKalb

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in DeKalb.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in DeKalb typically cost around 4.The average DeKalb homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,092 with the federal tax credit, or $24,442 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average DeKalb homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in DeKalb can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in DeKalb

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,936
3 years $-13,624
5 years $-11,311
7 years $-8,999
9 years $-6,687
11 years $-4,374
13 years $-2,062
15 years $251
17 years $2,563
19 years $4,875
21 years $7,188
23 years $9,500
25 years $11,812

Top Solar Installers in DeKalb

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 DeKalb

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DeKalb

For many DeKalb homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in DeKalb, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the DeKalb average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in DeKalb provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in DeKalb is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 $4,468 19.7 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,378 19.3 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,499 18.9 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $10,831 18.5 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,373 18.1 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $16,125 17.8 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $19,089 17.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $22,262 17.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from past customers.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.

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 DeKalb, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in DeKalb 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in DeKalb is currently $258,583, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,602 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in DeKalb is a fruitful investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.

Follow us