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

  • Glencoe Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,393
  • Payback Period: 17.1 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 Glencoe

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

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glencoe typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $16,818 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Glencoe based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Glencoe can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Glencoe for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Glencoe

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 Glencoe

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Glencoe

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glencoe

The cost of installing a solar system in Glencoe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,760. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Glencoe, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Glencoe homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Glencoe’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 $6,679 17.8 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $9,326 17.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $12,184 17.1 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $15,253 16.7 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $18,532 16.4 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $22,022 16.1 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $25,722 15.7 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $29,633 15.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 Glencoe, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Glencoe 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely 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 your home value?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Glencoe?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.

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