Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Falls, IL (2024 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.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,039 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rock Falls homeowners. 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.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Rock Falls homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Rock Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Falls
Though the average cost of a solar system in Rock Falls is $17,039, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Rock Falls.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rock Falls, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rock Falls to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rock Falls homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rock Falls, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 find a company that provides 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 | $4,534 | 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 type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Rock Falls, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rock Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Rock Falls 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.