Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochelle, IL (2024 Update)
- Rochelle Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
- 25-Year Savings: $12,465
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochelle
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rochelle.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rochelle it’s 4 per watt.The average Rochelle homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,060 with the federal tax credit, or $24,396 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rochelle for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rochelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,904 |
| 3 years | $-13,591 |
| 5 years | $-11,279 |
| 7 years | $-8,967 |
| 9 years | $-6,654 |
| 11 years | $-4,342 |
| 13 years | $-2,030 |
| 15 years | $283 |
| 17 years | $2,595 |
| 19 years | $4,907 |
| 21 years | $7,220 |
| 23 years | $9,532 |
| 25 years | $11,845 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochelle
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Rochelle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochelle
For many Rochelle homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rochelle, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price 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 mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rochelle to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rochelle is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,581 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,196 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,021 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $15,057 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $18,303 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,760 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $25,428 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $29,306 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Rochelle, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochelle?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind 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 eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rochelle, 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 Rochelle?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.