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

  • Huntley Solar Installation Cost: $17,178
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,139
  • Payback Period: 19.0 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 Huntley

We break down average solar pricing in Huntley.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Huntley, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Huntley, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,178, or $24,565 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Huntley find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Huntley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,022
3 years $-13,709
5 years $-11,397
7 years $-9,085
9 years $-6,772
11 years $-4,460
13 years $-2,148
15 years $165
17 years $2,477
19 years $4,790
21 years $7,102
23 years $9,414
25 years $11,727

Top Solar Installers in Huntley

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Huntley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntley

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Huntley is $17,178, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy 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. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Huntley, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Huntley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Huntley, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Huntley have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $4,364 19.8 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,239 19.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,326 19.0 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $10,622 18.6 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,130 18.2 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $15,848 17.9 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $18,776 17.5 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $21,915 17.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.

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 Huntley, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Huntley?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Huntley?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $692.91 per year.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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