Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dorr, IL (2023 Update)
- Dorr Solar Installation Cost: $12,465
- 25-Year Savings: $10,147
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dorr
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dorr.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dorr it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Dorr, the average price of going solar will be about $12,460 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Dorr based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dorr see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Dorr, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dorr
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,390 |
| 3 years | $-12,239 |
| 5 years | $-12,088 |
| 7 years | $-11,938 |
| 9 years | $-11,787 |
| 11 years | $-11,636 |
| 13 years | $-11,485 |
| 15 years | $-11,335 |
| 17 years | $-11,184 |
| 19 years | $-11,033 |
| 21 years | $-10,882 |
| 23 years | $-10,732 |
| 25 years | $-10,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Dorr
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Dorr
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dorr
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dorr is $12,460, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Dorr. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dorr, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dorr to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Dorr homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dorr is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Dorr are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Dorr, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dorr?
A solar panel system isn't free in Dorr, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Dorr?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.