Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochelle, IL (2023 Update)
- Rochelle Solar Installation Cost: $12,387
- 25-Year Savings: $12,465
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochelle
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rochelle.
In Rochelle, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rochelle, the average price of going solar will be about $12,383 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rochelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,304 |
| 3 years | $-12,138 |
| 5 years | $-11,972 |
| 7 years | $-11,807 |
| 9 years | $-11,641 |
| 11 years | $-11,475 |
| 13 years | $-11,310 |
| 15 years | $-11,144 |
| 17 years | $-10,978 |
| 19 years | $-10,813 |
| 21 years | $-10,647 |
| 23 years | $-10,481 |
| 25 years | $-10,316 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochelle
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Rochelle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochelle
Though the average cost of a solar system in Rochelle is $12,383, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Rochelle, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rochelle, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rochelle provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Rochelle, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Rochelle know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,080 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $15,079 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $19,231 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $23,536 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $27,994 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $32,604 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $37,368 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $42,284 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Rochelle, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Rochelle, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochelle?
The average cost of solar panels in Rochelle is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $766.82 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.