Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sycamore, IL (2024 Update)
- Sycamore Solar Installation Cost: $17,092
- 25-Year Savings: $11,812
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sycamore
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Sycamore.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sycamore, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sycamore, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,092, or $24,442 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Sycamore homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Sycamore for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sycamore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,936 |
| 3 years | $-13,624 |
| 5 years | $-11,311 |
| 7 years | $-8,999 |
| 9 years | $-6,687 |
| 11 years | $-4,374 |
| 13 years | $-2,062 |
| 15 years | $251 |
| 17 years | $2,563 |
| 19 years | $4,875 |
| 21 years | $7,188 |
| 23 years | $9,500 |
| 25 years | $11,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Sycamore
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sycamore, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sycamore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sycamore
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Sycamore is $17,092, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sycamore, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sycamore, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Sycamore, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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 | $4,468 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,378 | 19.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,499 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,831 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,373 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,125 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,089 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,262 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Sycamore, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sycamore?
The average cost of solar panels in Sycamore 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 Sycamore?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sycamore. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably 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."
How long do solar panels last in Sycamore?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.