What Do Solar Panels & Installation Cost Where You Live?
In 2023, the average cost of solar panel installation in the U.S. is $20,650, down from more than $50,000 10 years ago. And that’s before taking into account solar rebates and incentives. It’s also not including savings from lower energy bills.
Your actual cost depends on a number of factors, including:
- The size of your system (obviously, the more panels, the more expense)
- Solar panel type, brand, and quality
- Your roof, which affects the difficulty of the installation and the required labor
- Your solar installer
- Where you live
While the average cost of a solar panel installation within each state isn’t all that dramatic, there are still differences. Between states, you are going to see wider variation in pricing.
To give you a rough idea about the average cost of solar panels and installation where you live, we’ve put together this handy list below.* Keep in mind your individual situation is the final determinant of what a solar installation will actually cost. Note also that all average costs are calculated BEFORE applying for the 30% federal solar tax credit.
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Illinois – Illinois’ average cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $13,600 to $18,400. On a cost-per-watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Illinois ranges in price from $2.72 to $3.68.
Rockford, IL – The average solar panel cost in Rockford, IL, is $2.99/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), an average solar installation in Rockford, IL, ranges in cost from $12,708 to $17,192, with the average gross price for solar in Rockford, IL, coming in at $14,950.
West Dundee, IL – Solar panels in West Dundee cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in West Dundee is around 6.5 kW or a gross cost of about $17,845.
Algonquin, IL – The average solar panel cost in Algonquin is $3.13/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Algonquin ranges in cost from $13,302 to $17,998, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $15,650.
Barrington, IL – The average solar panel cost in Barrington is $3.17/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Barrington ranges in cost from $13,472 to $18,228, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $15,850.
Bartlett, IL – The average solar panel cost in Bartlett is $3.26/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Bartlett ranges in cost from $13,855 to $18,745, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $16,300.
Carpentersville, IL – The average solar panel cost in Carpentersville is $3.27/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Carpentersville ranges in cost from $13,898 to $18,802, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $16,350.
Cary, IL – The average solar panel cost in Cary is $3.13/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in ranges in cost from $13,302 to $17,998, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $15,650.
Crystal Lake, IL – The average solar panel cost in Crystal Lake is $3.25/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Crystal Lake ranges in cost from $13,812 to $18,688, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $16,250.
Elgin, IL – The average solar panel cost in Elgin is $3.27/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Elgin ranges in cost from $13,898 to $18,802, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $16,350.
Hanover Park, IL – The average cost of a solar system in Hanover Park is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system gross cost is about $12,345.
Hoffman Estates, IL – The average solar panel cost in Hoffman Estates is $3.16/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Hoffman Estates ranges in cost from $13,430 to $18,170, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $15,800.
Huntley, IL – The average solar panel cost in Huntley is $3.21/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Huntley ranges in cost from $13,642 to $18,458, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $16,050.
Lake in the Hills, IL – The average solar panel cost in Huntley is $3.21/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Huntley ranges in cost from $13,642 to $18,458, with the average gross price for solar in Huntley coming in at $16,050.
Lake Zurich, IL – The average cost of solar panels in Lake Zurich is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Lake Zurich, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system, with an average gross cost of a solar installation of $17,272.
Schaumburg, IL – The average solar panel cost in Schaumburg is $3.30/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in Schaumburg ranges in cost from $14,025 to $18,975, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $16,500.
South Elgin, IL – The average solar panel cost in South Elgin is $3.19/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kW, an average solar installation in South Elgin ranges in cost from $13,558 to $18,342, with the average gross price for solar coming in at $15,950.
Streamwood, IL – In Streamwood, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system gross solar cost is about $12,21.1
Wisconsin – The average gross cost of a solar panel installation ranges from $14,195 to $19,205. On a cost-per-watt ($/W) basis, a solar panel installation in Wisconsin ranges in price from $2.84 to $3.84.
Michigan – The average solar panel cost in Michigan is $3.50/W. Given a solar panel system size of 5 kilowatts (kW), an average solar installation in Michigan ranges in cost from $14,875 to $20,125, with the average gross price for solar in Michigan coming in at $17,500.
USA – The average cost of solar in the United States dropped from $3.86 per watt to $2.77 per Watt–as of 2022–since the end of 2014 alone. That means in about six years, a small to medium-sized 6-kilowatt (kW) system has dropped in price by about $6,540 (not accounting for the investment tax credit). The decrease in costs is even more pronounced from earlier in the 2000s when solar prices were up over $7 per watt for residential systems.
* Sources: EnergySage and EcoWatch
Your Solar Installer
One final thing to keep in mind. The reputation and track record of your solar installer is almost as important as the estimated cost of the panels and installation. Always look at the solar installers’ reviews to ensure you are getting not only the best price but the best service.
TruHome Pros solar solutions employ a full integration of highly efficient solar panels, power inverters, and premium parts and accessories that ensure optimum performance and long-term savings.
If you are thinking about getting solar panels installed for your home or concerned about needing a new roof before going solar, contact us today and get all your questions answered; learn about the 30% plus in solar energy tax credits and rebates being offered right now, solar financing or payment options, as well as our solar and roofing replacement program.
