Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Falls, IL (2025 Update)
- Rock Falls Solar Installation Cost: $17,039
- 25-Year Savings: $10,241
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rock Falls
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rock Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rock Falls it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rock Falls is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,039 for a solar installation, or $24,366 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rock Falls find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rock Falls that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rock Falls
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,882 |
3 years | $-13,570 |
5 years | $-11,258 |
7 years | $-8,945 |
9 years | $-6,633 |
11 years | $-4,321 |
13 years | $-2,008 |
15 years | $304 |
17 years | $2,616 |
19 years | $4,929 |
21 years | $7,241 |
23 years | $9,554 |
25 years | $11,866 |
Top Solar Installers in Rock Falls
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Rock Falls, optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Rock Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Falls
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Rock Falls, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far 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 Rock Falls to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rock Falls is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,534 | 19.6 years |
8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,466 | 19.2 years |
10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,609 | 18.8 years |
12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,962 | 18.5 years |
14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,526 | 18.1 years |
16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $16,301 | 17.7 years |
18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $19,286 | 17.3 years |
20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $22,481 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Rock Falls, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rock Falls?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rock Falls is currently $99,109, so you can look forward to a value of about $4,063 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rock Falls is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Rock Falls?
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 larger 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.