Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shorewood, IL (2024 Update)
- Shorewood 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 Shorewood
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Shorewood.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shorewood generally cost about 4.Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Shorewood, the average price of going solar will be about $16,997 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Shorewood homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Shorewood homeowner can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Shorewood for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shorewood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,841 |
| 3 years | $-13,529 |
| 5 years | $-11,216 |
| 7 years | $-8,904 |
| 9 years | $-6,592 |
| 11 years | $-4,279 |
| 13 years | $-1,967 |
| 15 years | $345 |
| 17 years | $2,658 |
| 19 years | $4,970 |
| 21 years | $7,282 |
| 23 years | $9,595 |
| 25 years | $11,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Shorewood
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Shorewood:
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 Shorewood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shorewood
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Shorewood: 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 size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $3,760. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want 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
Most solar companies in Shorewood provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Shorewood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $4,584 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,534 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,694 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $11,064 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,645 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,436 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,438 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,651 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Shorewood, 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:
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide 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 Shorewood, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shorewood?
The average cost of solar panels in Shorewood 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Shorewood?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.