Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dixon, IL (2023 Update)
- Dixon Solar Installation Cost: $12,364
- 25-Year Savings: $10,248
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dixon
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Dixon.
In Dixon, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Dixon homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,364 with the federal tax credit, or $17,681 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Dixon depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dixon find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Dixon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,460 |
| 3 years | $-9,651 |
| 5 years | $-7,842 |
| 7 years | $-6,033 |
| 9 years | $-4,224 |
| 11 years | $-2,415 |
| 13 years | $-606 |
| 15 years | $1,203 |
| 17 years | $3,012 |
| 19 years | $4,821 |
| 21 years | $6,630 |
| 23 years | $8,439 |
| 25 years | $10,248 |
Top Solar Installers in Dixon
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Dixon, 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Dixon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dixon
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Dixon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Dixon, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dixon to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,048 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,370 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,845 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,472 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,253 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,186 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,272 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,512 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Dixon, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dixon?
The average cost of solar panels in Dixon is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dixon?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dixon. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Dixon, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Dixon?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.