Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Rock Island, IL (2023 Update)
- South Rock Island Solar Installation Cost: $12,333
- 25-Year Savings: $7,454
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Rock Island
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in South Rock Island.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Rock Island generally cost around 2.73. The average solar panel system size in South Rock Island is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,326 for a solar installation, or $17,626 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average South Rock Island homeowner can save around $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Rock Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,267 |
| 3 years | $-12,135 |
| 5 years | $-12,003 |
| 7 years | $-11,871 |
| 9 years | $-11,739 |
| 11 years | $-11,607 |
| 13 years | $-11,475 |
| 15 years | $-11,343 |
| 17 years | $-11,211 |
| 19 years | $-11,080 |
| 21 years | $-10,948 |
| 23 years | $-10,816 |
| 25 years | $-10,684 |
Top Solar Installers in South Rock Island
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're looking for a solar installer in South Rock Island, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 South Rock Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Rock Island
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many South Rock Island homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in South Rock Island, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $6,471 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $8,934 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $11,550 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $14,318 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $17,240 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $20,314 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $23,541 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $26,921 | 14.0 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's South Rock Island, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Rock Island?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in South Rock Island?
You can't get solar panels for free in South Rock Island. However, you may still be able to afford 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 power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $613.19 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.