Solar Panel Cost Guide in Naperville, IL (2024 Update)
- Naperville Solar Installation Cost: $17,096
- 25-Year Savings: $11,275
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Naperville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Naperville.
In Naperville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,096 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Naperville can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Naperville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Naperville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,940 |
| 3 years | $-13,628 |
| 5 years | $-11,315 |
| 7 years | $-9,003 |
| 9 years | $-6,691 |
| 11 years | $-4,378 |
| 13 years | $-2,066 |
| 15 years | $246 |
| 17 years | $2,559 |
| 19 years | $4,871 |
| 21 years | $7,184 |
| 23 years | $9,496 |
| 25 years | $11,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Naperville
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Naperville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Naperville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Naperville
For many Naperville homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Naperville, 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Naperville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Naperville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Naperville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $5,457 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $7,697 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,148 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $12,809 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $15,680 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $18,763 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,056 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $25,559 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Naperville, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Naperville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Naperville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Naperville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Naperville have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.