Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Island, IL (2024 Update)
- Rock Island Solar Installation Cost: $16,986
- 25-Year Savings: $7,454
- Payback Period: 21.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rock Island
We go over average solar pricing in Rock Island.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rock Island is 4 per watt.Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Rock Island, the average price of going solar will be about $16,986 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rock Island homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Rock Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,145 |
| 3 years | $-14,463 |
| 5 years | $-12,781 |
| 7 years | $-11,099 |
| 9 years | $-9,417 |
| 11 years | $-7,735 |
| 13 years | $-6,053 |
| 15 years | $-4,371 |
| 17 years | $-2,689 |
| 19 years | $-1,007 |
| 21 years | $675 |
| 23 years | $2,357 |
| 25 years | $4,039 |
Top Solar Installers in Rock Island
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Island
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Rock Island: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,760 per kilowatt in Rock Island.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rock Island, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Rock Island homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. Rock Island’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $1,972 | 22.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $3,051 | 21.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $4,340 | 21.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $5,839 | 21.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $7,549 | 20.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $9,470 | 20.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $11,602 | 19.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $13,943 | 19.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Island, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rock Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Rock Island 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Rock Island?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rock Island. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
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 Rock Island, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.