Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnsburg, IL (2024 Update)
- Johnsburg Solar Installation Cost: $17,168
- 25-Year Savings: $10,147
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnsburg
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Johnsburg.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnsburg generally cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Johnsburg, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,168, or $24,550 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Johnsburg depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Johnsburg can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Johnsburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,012 |
| 3 years | $-13,700 |
| 5 years | $-11,387 |
| 7 years | $-9,075 |
| 9 years | $-6,762 |
| 11 years | $-4,450 |
| 13 years | $-2,138 |
| 15 years | $175 |
| 17 years | $2,487 |
| 19 years | $4,799 |
| 21 years | $7,112 |
| 23 years | $9,424 |
| 25 years | $11,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnsburg
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Johnsburg:
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 Johnsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnsburg
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Johnsburg is $17,168, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Johnsburg, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Johnsburg, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnsburg is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $4,375 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,255 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,345 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,646 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,157 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,879 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,812 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,955 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Johnsburg, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Johnsburg, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnsburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Johnsburg is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Johnsburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Johnsburg. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy 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 $693.31 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Johnsburg?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.