Solar Panel Cost Guide in Evanston, WY (2024 Update)
- Evanston Solar Installation Cost: $35,460
- 25-Year Savings: $42,963
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Evanston
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Evanston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Evanston typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Evanston, most homeowners require a 14.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $35,460, or $50,708 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Evanston depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Evanston can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Evanston for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Evanston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-34,338 |
| 3 years | $-32,093 |
| 5 years | $-29,848 |
| 7 years | $-27,603 |
| 9 years | $-25,357 |
| 11 years | $-23,112 |
| 13 years | $-20,867 |
| 15 years | $-18,622 |
| 17 years | $-16,377 |
| 19 years | $-14,132 |
| 21 years | $-11,887 |
| 23 years | $-9,642 |
| 25 years | $-7,397 |
Top Solar Installers in Evanston
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Evanston, we've put together 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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Evanston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Evanston
Though the average cost of a solar system in Evanston is $35,460, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Evanston offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Evanston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $13,374 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $18,233 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $23,292 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $28,552 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $34,013 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $39,673 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $45,535 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $51,597 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Evanston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Evanston, WY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Evanston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Evanston is currently $283,325, which means you can expect a value of about $11,616 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Evanston is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Evanston?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.