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

  • Lombard Solar Installation Cost: $17,196
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,126
  • 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 Lombard

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Lombard.

The average cost of a solar system in Lombard is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,196 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Lombard that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Lombard

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,040
3 years $-13,728
5 years $-11,415
7 years $-9,103
9 years $-6,791
11 years $-4,478
13 years $-2,166
15 years $146
17 years $2,459
19 years $4,771
21 years $7,083
23 years $9,396
25 years $11,708

Top Solar Installers in Lombard

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote 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 Lombard

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lombard

Although the average cost of a solar system in Lombard is $17,196, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in Lombard.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. 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 out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lombard, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Lombard, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 $4,341 19.8 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,210 19.4 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,288 19.0 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $10,578 18.6 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,078 18.3 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $15,788 17.9 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $18,709 17.5 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $21,841 17.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Lombard, 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

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 Lombard, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Lombard 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Lombard?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Lombard. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Lombard?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Lombard?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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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