Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wadsworth, IL (2024 Update)

  • Wadsworth Solar Installation Cost: $16,643
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,528
  • Payback Period: 18.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wadsworth

See how much it might cost to go solar in Wadsworth.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Wadsworth is 4 per watt.The average Wadsworth homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,643 with the federal tax credit, or $23,799 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Wadsworth depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Wadsworth see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wadsworth

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,487
3 years $-13,174
5 years $-10,862
7 years $-8,550
9 years $-6,237
11 years $-3,925
13 years $-1,612
15 years $700
17 years $3,012
19 years $5,325
21 years $7,637
23 years $9,949
25 years $12,262

Top Solar Installers in Wadsworth

When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Wadsworth

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wadsworth

For many Wadsworth homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wadsworth, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Wadsworth.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wadsworth, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

Most solar installers in Wadsworth provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 $5,032 19.1 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $7,130 18.8 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $9,439 18.4 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $11,959 18.0 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $14,689 17.7 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $17,630 17.3 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $20,781 16.9 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $24,143 16.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Wadsworth, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wadsworth?

The average cost of solar panels in Wadsworth 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wadsworth?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your home 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."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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