Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dorr, IL (Mar 2023)

  • Dorr Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,152
  • Payback Period: 13.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dorr

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Dorr.

The average cost of solar panels in Dorr is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dorr, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,460, or $17,818 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dorr find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Dorr, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dorr

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,555
3 years $-9,746
5 years $-7,937
7 years $-6,128
9 years $-4,319
11 years $-2,511
13 years $-702
15 years $1,107
17 years $2,916
19 years $4,725
21 years $6,534
23 years $8,343
25 years $10,152

Top Solar Installers in Dorr

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Dorr:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Dorr

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dorr

The cost of installing a solar system in Dorr can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Dorr, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 $2.84 $11,925 $8,875 14.3 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $12,138 14.1 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $15,555 13.8 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $19,125 13.5 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $22,848 13.2 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $26,723 13.0 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $30,751 12.7 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $34,933 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Dorr, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
  • 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Dorr, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dorr?

The average cost of solar panels in Dorr is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Dorr have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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