Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northbrook, IL (2024 Update)
- Northbrook Solar Installation Cost: $16,818
- 25-Year Savings: $11,596
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northbrook
We break down average solar pricing in Northbrook.
In Northbrook, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Northbrook is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,818 for a solar installation, or $24,050 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Northbrook based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Northbrook homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Northbrook for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,662 |
| 3 years | $-13,350 |
| 5 years | $-11,038 |
| 7 years | $-8,725 |
| 9 years | $-6,413 |
| 11 years | $-4,100 |
| 13 years | $-1,788 |
| 15 years | $524 |
| 17 years | $2,837 |
| 19 years | $5,149 |
| 21 years | $7,461 |
| 23 years | $9,774 |
| 25 years | $12,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Northbrook
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Northbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northbrook
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Northbrook: 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 a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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 expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northbrook, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Northbrook, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Northbrook is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Northbrook have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,930 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,328 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,937 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $13,756 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $16,786 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $20,026 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $23,477 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $27,138 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Northbrook, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. 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 prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Northbrook, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Northbrook 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy 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.