Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winnebago, IL (2023 Update)
- Winnebago Solar Installation Cost: $12,460
- 25-Year Savings: $11,581
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winnebago
See how much it might cost to go solar in Winnebago.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Winnebago it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 6.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Winnebago, the average price of going solar will be about $12,460 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Winnebago see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Winnebago that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Winnebago
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,498 |
| 3 years | $-9,575 |
| 5 years | $-7,652 |
| 7 years | $-5,728 |
| 9 years | $-3,805 |
| 11 years | $-1,882 |
| 13 years | $41 |
| 15 years | $1,965 |
| 17 years | $3,888 |
| 19 years | $5,811 |
| 21 years | $7,735 |
| 23 years | $9,658 |
| 25 years | $11,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Winnebago
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Winnebago
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winnebago
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Winnebago: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Winnebago average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Winnebago homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Winnebago, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 | $10,191 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,893 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,749 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,757 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,918 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $30,232 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,699 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $39,319 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Winnebago, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects 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 (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 Winnebago, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winnebago?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Winnebago?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.