Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington Park, IL (2024 Update)

  • Washington Park Solar Installation Cost: $16,000
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,214
  • Payback Period: 20.2 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 Washington Park

We go over average solar pricing in Washington Park.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Washington Park generally cost about 4.The average Washington Park homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,000 with the federal tax credit, or $22,880 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Washington Park homeowners see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Washington Park

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,149
3 years $-13,448
5 years $-11,746
7 years $-10,045
9 years $-8,344
11 years $-6,643
13 years $-4,941
15 years $-3,240
17 years $-1,539
19 years $163
21 years $1,864
23 years $3,565
25 years $5,267

Top Solar Installers in Washington Park

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Washington Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington Park

Though the average cost of a solar system in Washington Park is $16,000, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Washington Park, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Washington Park homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Washington Park’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically 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 add-on services like electric car 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 $3,149 21.0 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $4,620 20.6 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $6,301 20.2 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $8,193 19.8 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $10,296 19.4 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $12,609 19.0 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $15,132 18.6 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $17,867 18.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Washington Park, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington Park?

The average cost of solar panels in Washington Park 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 Washington Park?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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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