Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morris, IL (Mar 2023)

  • Morris Solar Installation Cost: $12,307
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,305
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Morris

We break down average solar pricing in Morris.

The average cost of solar panels in Morris is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Morris is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,307 for a solar installation, or $17,599 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Morris homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Morris

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,402
3 years $-9,593
5 years $-7,784
7 years $-5,976
9 years $-4,167
11 years $-2,358
13 years $-549
15 years $1,260
17 years $3,069
19 years $4,878
21 years $6,687
23 years $8,496
25 years $10,305

Top Solar Installers in Morris

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

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

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Morris

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morris

For many Morris homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Morris, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Morris offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Morris' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 major players.

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

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Morris, IL Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Morris?

You can't get solar panels for free in Morris. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly 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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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