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

  • Woodside Solar Installation Cost: $16,461
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,310
  • Payback Period: 15.7 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 Woodside

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Woodside.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Woodside generally cost around 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Woodside, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,461, or $23,539 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Woodside depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Woodside homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Woodside

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,610
3 years $-13,909
5 years $-12,208
7 years $-10,506
9 years $-8,805
11 years $-7,104
13 years $-5,402
15 years $-3,701
17 years $-2,000
19 years $-299
21 years $1,403
23 years $3,104
25 years $4,805

Top Solar Installers in Woodside

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Woodside, therefore optimizing your ROI.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Woodside

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodside

While the average cost of a solar system in Woodside is $16,461, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Woodside average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Woodside, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Woodside, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 down to compete with bigger names.

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 $8,771 16.3 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $12,116 16.0 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $15,671 15.7 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $19,437 15.4 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $23,413 15.0 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $27,600 14.7 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $31,998 14.4 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $36,606 14.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

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 Woodside, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Woodside 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Woodside is currently $186,916, so you can expect a value of about $7,664 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Woodside is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.

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