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

  • Kendall Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,042
  • Payback Period: 18.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 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 Kendall

See how much it might cost to go solar in Kendall.

The average cost of solar panels in Kendall is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kendall is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,056 for a solar installation, or $24,390 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Kendall homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Kendall

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,900
3 years$-13,587
5 years$-11,275
7 years$-8,963
9 years$-6,650
11 years$-4,338
13 years$-2,025
15 years$287
17 years$2,599
19 years$4,912
21 years$7,224
23 years$9,536
25 years$11,849

Top Solar Installers in Kendall

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Kendall

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kendall

There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Kendall.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kendall, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Kendall 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 help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$5,26618.9 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$7,44218.6 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$9,82918.2 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$12,42717.8 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$15,23517.5 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$18,25317.1 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$21,48316.7 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$24,92216.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Kendall, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Kendall 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

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

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kendall, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.