Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockford, IL (2023 Update)
- Rockford Solar Installation Cost: $12,464
- 25-Year Savings: $10,814
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockford
We break down average solar pricing in Rockford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rockford, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rockford, the average price of going solar will be about $12,460 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rockford depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rockford find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Rockford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,308 |
| 3 years | $-8,996 |
| 5 years | $-6,683 |
| 7 years | $-4,371 |
| 9 years | $-2,059 |
| 11 years | $254 |
| 13 years | $2,566 |
| 15 years | $4,878 |
| 17 years | $7,191 |
| 19 years | $9,503 |
| 21 years | $11,816 |
| 23 years | $14,128 |
| 25 years | $16,440 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockford
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Rockford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockford
For many Rockford homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Rockford. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rockford have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rockford is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,489 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,958 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $16,580 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $20,355 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $24,282 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $28,363 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $32,596 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $36,982 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Rockford, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockford?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockford is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rockford?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rockford. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 long do solar panels last in Rockford?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.