Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockford, IL (Mar 2023)
- Rockford Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
- 25-Year Savings: $10,819
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockford
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Rockford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rockford, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption 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 prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Rockford homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Rockford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,529 |
| 3 years | $-9,666 |
| 5 years | $-7,804 |
| 7 years | $-5,942 |
| 9 years | $-4,079 |
| 11 years | $-2,217 |
| 13 years | $-355 |
| 15 years | $1,507 |
| 17 years | $3,370 |
| 19 years | $5,232 |
| 21 years | $7,094 |
| 23 years | $8,957 |
| 25 years | $10,819 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockford
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of 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 (coming 2022)
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 Rockford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockford
For many Rockford homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to 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 a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Most solar companies in Rockford offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Rockford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $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 panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Rockford, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockford?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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.
Are solar panels 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rockford, 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.