Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dupo, IL (2023 Update)
- Dupo Solar Installation Cost: $11,600
- 25-Year Savings: $13,293
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dupo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dupo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dupo, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,600 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dupo find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dupo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,604 |
| 3 years | $-8,613 |
| 5 years | $-6,621 |
| 7 years | $-4,630 |
| 9 years | $-2,638 |
| 11 years | $-647 |
| 13 years | $1,344 |
| 15 years | $3,336 |
| 17 years | $5,327 |
| 19 years | $7,319 |
| 21 years | $9,310 |
| 23 years | $11,301 |
| 25 years | $13,293 |
Top Solar Installers in Dupo
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dupo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dupo
Cost is often 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 go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Dupo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dupo, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dupo provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,678 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $17,210 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $21,895 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $26,732 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $31,723 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $36,866 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $42,162 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $47,611 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Dupo, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dupo?
The average cost of solar panels in Dupo 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dupo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Dupo is currently $183,853, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,538 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dupo is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Dupo?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.