Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dupo, IL (2024 Update)

  • Dupo Solar Installation Cost: $15,978
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,292
  • Payback Period: 16.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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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 Dupo

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dupo.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dupo it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $15,978 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Dupo depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dupo find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Dupo, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dupo

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,127
3 years$-13,426
5 years$-11,725
7 years$-10,023
9 years$-8,322
11 years$-6,621
13 years$-4,919
15 years$-3,218
17 years$-1,517
19 years$184
21 years$1,886
23 years$3,587
25 years$5,288

Top Solar Installers in Dupo

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Dupo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dupo

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dupo: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,760 per kilowatt in Dupo.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Dupo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Dupo, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$8,17916.7 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$11,32716.4 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$14,68516.0 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$18,25315.7 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$22,03215.4 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$26,02215.1 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$30,22214.8 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$34,63314.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to 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 what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Dupo, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Dupo is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dupo?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity 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 higher 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.