Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freeport, IL (2025 Update)

  • Freeport Solar Installation Cost: $17,188
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,132
  • Payback Period: 19.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Freeport

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Freeport.

In Freeport, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Freeport is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,188 for a solar installation, or $24,579 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Freeport based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Freeport find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Freeport for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Freeport

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,032
3 years$-13,720
5 years$-11,407
7 years$-9,095
9 years$-6,782
11 years$-4,470
13 years$-2,158
15 years$155
17 years$2,467
19 years$4,779
21 years$7,092
23 years$9,404
25 years$11,716

Top Solar Installers in Freeport

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Freeport, optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Freeport:

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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

See all of the solar companies in Freeport

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freeport

There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Freeport homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Freeport, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$4,35119.8 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$6,22319.4 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$8,30519.0 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$10,59818.6 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$13,10118.2 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$15,81517.9 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$18,73917.5 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$21,87417.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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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

EcoWatch's Freeport, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Freeport?

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

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $692.50 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Freeport?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.