Solar Panel Cost Guide in Naperville, IL (2024 Update)
- Naperville Solar Installation Cost: $17,096
- 25-Year Savings: $11,275
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Naperville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Naperville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Naperville it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Naperville is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,096 for a solar installation, or $24,447 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Naperville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Naperville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,940 |
| 3 years | $-13,628 |
| 5 years | $-11,315 |
| 7 years | $-9,003 |
| 9 years | $-6,691 |
| 11 years | $-4,378 |
| 13 years | $-2,066 |
| 15 years | $246 |
| 17 years | $2,559 |
| 19 years | $4,871 |
| 21 years | $7,184 |
| 23 years | $9,496 |
| 25 years | $11,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Naperville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Naperville, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Naperville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Naperville
For many Naperville homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Naperville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Naperville offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Naperville, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $5,457 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,697 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,148 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,809 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,680 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,763 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,056 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,559 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Naperville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Naperville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Naperville?
The average cost of solar panels in Naperville 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Naperville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Naperville. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Naperville have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.