Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plano, IL (2024 Update)
- Plano Solar Installation Cost: $17,056
- 25-Year Savings: $11,042
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plano
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Plano.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plano, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Plano homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,056 with the federal tax credit, or $24,390 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Plano homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Plano, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plano
| Year | Return 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 Plano
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
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 in Plano:
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 Plano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plano
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,760. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 Plano offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Plano’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Plano 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 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,266 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,442 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $9,829 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,427 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,235 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,253 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $21,483 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $24,922 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Plano, 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:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 Plano, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plano?
The average cost of solar panels in Plano 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 consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Plano?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get 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 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 cover 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.