Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Morris, IL (2024 Update)
- Mount Morris Solar Installation Cost: $17,094
- 25-Year Savings: $10,200
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Morris
We go over average solar pricing in Mount Morris.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Morris it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,094 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Mount Morris based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Mount Morris homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mount Morris
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,938 |
| 3 years | $-13,626 |
| 5 years | $-11,313 |
| 7 years | $-9,001 |
| 9 years | $-6,689 |
| 11 years | $-4,376 |
| 13 years | $-2,064 |
| 15 years | $248 |
| 17 years | $2,561 |
| 19 years | $4,873 |
| 21 years | $7,186 |
| 23 years | $9,498 |
| 25 years | $11,810 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Morris
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and know-how. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Mount Morris:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Mount Morris
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Morris
Although the average cost of a solar system in Mount Morris is $17,094, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,760. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase 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 Mount Morris homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,465 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,375 | 19.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,495 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,826 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,367 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,119 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,081 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,254 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Mount Morris, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Morris?
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Morris 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly 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 electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mount 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 Mount Morris?
Even though 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 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.