Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockton, IL (2024 Update)
- Rockton Solar Installation Cost: $17,167
- 25-Year Savings: $13,482
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Rockton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rockton typically cost about 4.The average Rockton homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,167 with the federal tax credit, or $24,549 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,011 |
| 3 years | $-13,698 |
| 5 years | $-11,386 |
| 7 years | $-9,074 |
| 9 years | $-6,761 |
| 11 years | $-4,449 |
| 13 years | $-2,137 |
| 15 years | $176 |
| 17 years | $2,488 |
| 19 years | $4,801 |
| 21 years | $7,113 |
| 23 years | $9,425 |
| 25 years | $11,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockton
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Rockton:
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
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 Rockton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockton
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system 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
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,760. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rockton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Rockton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $7,444 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $10,347 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $13,460 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $16,784 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $20,318 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $24,063 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $28,018 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $32,184 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
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 Rockton, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockton?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockton is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Rockton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rockton. 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.
Does Rockton have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.