Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morris, IL (2023 Update)
- Morris Solar Installation Cost: $12,298
- 25-Year Savings: $10,314
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morris
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Morris.
In Morris, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $12,307 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Morris
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,141 |
| 3 years | $-8,829 |
| 5 years | $-6,517 |
| 7 years | $-4,204 |
| 9 years | $-1,892 |
| 11 years | $420 |
| 13 years | $2,733 |
| 15 years | $5,045 |
| 17 years | $7,357 |
| 19 years | $9,670 |
| 21 years | $11,982 |
| 23 years | $14,294 |
| 25 years | $16,607 |
Top Solar Installers in Morris
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Morris
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morris
The cost of installing a solar system in Morris can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Morris, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Morris, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,158 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,516 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,027 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,691 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,508 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,478 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,601 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,877 | 12.2 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Morris, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morris?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Morris, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Morris?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.