Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Park, IL (2024 Update)
- Highland Park Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
- 25-Year Savings: $10,528
- Payback Period: 18.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland Park
We go over average solar pricing in Highland Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highland Park, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Highland Park is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,643 for a solar installation, or $23,799 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Highland Park based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Highland Park find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Highland Park for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Highland Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,487 |
| 3 years | $-13,174 |
| 5 years | $-10,862 |
| 7 years | $-8,550 |
| 9 years | $-6,237 |
| 11 years | $-3,925 |
| 13 years | $-1,612 |
| 15 years | $700 |
| 17 years | $3,012 |
| 19 years | $5,325 |
| 21 years | $7,637 |
| 23 years | $9,949 |
| 25 years | $12,262 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland Park
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Highland Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Park
There are a number of factors that can play into 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
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,760. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Highland Park, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Highland Park provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Highland Park know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $5,032 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,130 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,439 | 18.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,959 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $14,689 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $17,630 | 17.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $20,781 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,143 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 Highland Park, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland Park?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.