Solar Panel Cost Guide in Minooka, IL (2024 Update)
- Minooka Solar Installation Cost: $16,997
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Minooka
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Minooka.
The average cost of solar panels in Minooka is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Minooka is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,997 for a solar installation, or $24,306 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Minooka homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Minooka, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Minooka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,841 |
| 3 years | $-13,528 |
| 5 years | $-11,216 |
| 7 years | $-8,903 |
| 9 years | $-6,591 |
| 11 years | $-4,279 |
| 13 years | $-1,966 |
| 15 years | $346 |
| 17 years | $2,658 |
| 19 years | $4,971 |
| 21 years | $7,283 |
| 23 years | $9,595 |
| 25 years | $11,908 |
Top Solar Installers in Minooka
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Minooka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Minooka
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Minooka: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Minooka, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 companies in Minooka provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $4,585 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,535 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,695 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,065 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,647 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,438 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,441 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,654 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Minooka, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Minooka?
The average cost of solar panels in Minooka 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 things such as 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 Minooka?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Minooka. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Minooka?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.