Solar Panels Cost 2.7k-13k in Wilmette, IL | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.7k-$13k in Wilmette, IL | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Wilmette, IL in 2024?

The current cost per watt for solar in Wilmette, IL in October, 2024 is $3.89/W.

Put another way, solar panels will cost you $3,890 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of generation capacity. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend about $13,615 for a 5 kW panel install in Wilmette. Note that a more powerful system may be necessary to meet your energy demands.

To your left, you have the option to choose your county and view the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for solar panel installations on homes in your area. Below, you can see an analysis of the price, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Wilmette: $13,615US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Wilmette: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Wilmette: $7,963US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Wilmette

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Wilmette.

Roof size 518sq. ft.
Capacity 7.25kW DC
Electricity 8.3kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Wilmette, IL & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

Wilmette residents generally consume 601 kWh of electricity each month, with bills around $114.22. Bear in mind that this statistic covers smaller residences including apartments, known for reduced energy use.

The rate of electricity in Wilmette, IL, on average, is 18.99¢ per kWh for October 2024.

If you’re an average electricity user in Wilmette, you may need a solar panel system sized at 5 kW or above to take care of your electricity needs. Presently, a 5 kW setup costs $13,615 after the 30% federal income tax credit.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Wilmette

Displayed on the left, you will find a cost summary for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Wilmette. Naturally, a larger solar system requires a greater initial expense, but it also translates to more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The solar panel cost calculator, positioned down and to the right, provides a cost-benefit analysis using an average $114.22 electric bill for Wilmette. For personalized results, update the $114.22 to whatever your usual electricity bill is.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $281 a year
Est. Price
$2,723
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,480 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $23
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.47 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 22 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,172 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $562 a year
Est. Price
$5,446
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,960 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $47
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.95 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 43 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,343 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $844 a year
Est. Price
$8,169
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,440 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $70
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.42 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,515 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,125 a year
Est. Price
$10,892
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,920 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $94
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.89 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 87 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,687 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,406 a year
Est. Price
$13,615
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,400 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.3 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 106 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,700 mi less a year

Wilmette Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant offers substantial financial support, potentially covering 80% to 100% of the costs for rural businesses and agricultural operations to install photovoltaic or wind energy systems. Think you might be eligible? Verify your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Thanks to the 30% federal income tax credit, residential solar installations are accessible for most people, turning solar power a sensible investment in various states. Furthermore, a variety of state and local programs are available to encourage solar adoption.

There are 7 solar rebate and incentive initiatives currently offered in Illinois by various utilities and government bodies.

Solar incentives in IL

Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation Grants

Value:Varies

Commonwealth Edison funds the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF). The foundation supports private investment in renewable energy for Illinois through a variety of grant initiatives targeted at communities and schools. Eligible projects for a grant include solar, wind, and biomass installations interconnected to the grid. One initiative funding wind power for schools also supports related educational programs. Additional information is available through the ICECF website.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

Renewable energy and distributed generation customers in Illinois may enter net metering or "dual metering" arrangements with their utility. By using their generation system, customers generate renewable energy credits. By law, they hold ownership of the RECs they generate, but they may choose to sell them to the utility upon signing a net metering contract. Dual metering is for property types in a "competitive class". Utilities should install a dual-channel meter to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. The customer will receive a bill credit for monthly NEG at a variable rate. Net metering operates in a similar fashion, but uses a single bidirectional meter and is designed for residential and certain commercial properties (these are "non-competitive classes".) Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Energy.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Illinois has adopted various state standards for distributed generation and interconnection using systems rated for less than 10 MW. Regulations are amended and enforced by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Each connected generation system is sorted into one of four tiers based on capacity. Which tier a system falls into determines engineering standards, permit processes, and the minimum liability insurance coverage that the system's owner must carry. Distributed generation for systems over 10 MW is also standardized under a different set of rules. Additional information is available from the ICC website.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

The Illinois legislature enacted the state's first renewable portfolio standard in 2007 and established the Illinois Power Agency for its enforcement. The current standard requires 25% of the state's renewable energy to come from renewable sources by 2026, with 6% coming from solar installations, 75% from wind turbines, and 1% from distributed generation systems. Compliance is measured using a renewable energy credit (REC) system pegging electric capacity to an adjusted dollar value. Utilities in the state must obtain these credits through their own generation activities or by purchasing them from distributed generation customers.

Energy Efficiency in State Government

Value:Varies

New government buildings or renovation projects in Illinois should comply with certain green building standards. Any new occupied state building or renovation affecting a maximum of 10,000 square feet should meet the highest feasible LEED standard, though the state does not need to apply for formal LEED certification. New buildings or renovation projects over 10,000 square feet must meet LEED Silver standards and apply for formal certification. A project may be exempt if costs toward meeting green building standards exceed benefits. Historic buildings may carry an exemption by default if improvements would negatively affect their aesthetics or status. Additional information is available from the Illinois Department of Commerce website.

Illinois Municipal Electric Agency - Electric Efficiency Program

Value:Varies

Residential, commercial, and wholesale customers of the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency may be eligible for a variety of financial incentives on energy efficiency equipment and projects. Eligible items and services will change from time to time. Current programs include rebate offers on HVAC, lighting, motors, and generation equipment. For each of these projects, the rebate amount averages at 7 cents per saved kilowatt hour for the first year of the improvements' deployment. The application process involves project reviews. Customers should submit copies of the city permits they have obtained for their proposed projects. To ensure accountability, IMEA requires the submission of receipts and a final inspection upon completion of the project. Additional information is available from the IMEA website.

Solar Renewable Energy Credits

Value:Varies

The Illinois Power Agency is a legislative organization that aids several private electrical utilities (Commonwealth Edison and Ameren, specifically) in purchasing renewable energy credits, including credits designated exclusively for solar energy. To meet renewable portfolio standards, the IPA acts as a diplomatic middleman to create purchasing agreements between utilities. As IPA both designs and operates procurement programs using a variety of tracking systems, customers participating in arrangements such as net metering may interface directly with the IPA. Additional information is available from the agency website.

Are solar panels worth it in Illinois?

If your plan is to stay in your home past the time it takes to pay off your solar system, installing solar panels is a smart move in Wilmette. With a 5 kW solar system in Wilmette, IL, the average savings over a 20 period is $13,797.8, with break even usually occurring at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Wilmette, IL

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent media examples have revealed that complete dependence on your utility company isn't always the best condition.

Residents in Wilmette have seen an average of 0.59 utility outages per year in recent times. Outages typically last for an average of 48.99 minutes. Major occurrences like vandalism, grid management errors or hurricanes can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

Owning a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could reduce the pressure of any future outages you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cook County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Wilmette, IL?

Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt declines, despite the greater upfront expense. Homeowners often realize that setting up a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is advantageous, resulting in optimal savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels come in a range of makes and models. Considering the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's essential to select a reputable installer. For consumers desiring a better long-term experience, investing in superior quality makes and models is critical.

Solar Panel Type - For many good reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Even though they are pricier, they generate additional energy. Many installers utilize panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each property and home is one of a kind. Uneven ground, trees, or additional hindrances can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. By using satellite images, the majority of solar installers nowadays can evaluate your home and incorporate these factors into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees are paid varied wages from different companies, and these costs are handed down to the consumers. Paying higher wages typically results in companies receiving better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will influence your installation cost. Quality installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other IL cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Wilmette?

Freedom Forever

Temecula, CA(800) 685-1850

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solar SME Inc.

Duncanville, TX(832) 626-2337

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

YellowLite

Cleveland, OH(877) 743-8757

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Plug PV

Albany, NY(518) 948-5316

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

SunPro Solar

Mandeville, LA(866) 599-3643

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Power Home Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

RISE Power

Richardson, TX(855) 747-3769

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Tick Tock Energy

Effingham, IL(217) 994-9020

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

AES Solar

Carterville, IL(618) 988-0888

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Sigora Solar

Charlottesville, VA(434) 465-6192

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Soltage

Jersey City, NJ(201) 432-1786

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Engie North America

Houston, TX(713) 636-0000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

PowerHome Solar

Mooresville, NC(704) 870-3670

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Badass Energy

Claremont, CA(909) 320-9860

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Wilmette, IL Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In Wilmette, IL, the mean cost per watt for solar panels as recorded in October, 2024 is $3.89/W. The cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Wilmette, IL is about $13,615 post federal tax credit.
  • Right now, Illinois has 7 rebates and incentives available through a variety of utility companies and government entities. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
  • Opting for cash payments results in the highest savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are financially sensible. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, in Wilmette, IL, the average time for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay for themselves is 10 years, leading to electricity savings of $13,797.8 over a 20-year period.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01