Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arlington Heights, PA (2024 Update)
- Arlington Heights Solar Installation Cost: $16,902
- 25-Year Savings: $12,813
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arlington Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Arlington Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Arlington Heights it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Arlington Heights, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,902, or $24,170 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Arlington Heights homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arlington Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,659 |
| 3 years | $-13,173 |
| 5 years | $-10,687 |
| 7 years | $-8,201 |
| 9 years | $-5,715 |
| 11 years | $-3,229 |
| 13 years | $-743 |
| 15 years | $1,743 |
| 17 years | $4,229 |
| 19 years | $6,715 |
| 21 years | $9,201 |
| 23 years | $11,687 |
| 25 years | $14,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Arlington Heights
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Arlington Heights, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Arlington Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arlington Heights
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Arlington Heights, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,506 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,073 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $11,838 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $14,802 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $17,965 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $21,327 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $24,887 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $28,646 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Arlington Heights, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arlington Heights?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Arlington Heights?
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 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 savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Arlington Heights is currently $258,040, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,580 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Arlington Heights is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Arlington Heights?
Even 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 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.