Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winnebago, IL (2024 Update)
- Winnebago Solar Installation Cost: $17,167
- 25-Year Savings: $11,576
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winnebago
We go over average solar pricing in Winnebago.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Winnebago, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,167 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Winnebago depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Winnebago homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winnebago
| 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 Winnebago
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Winnebago
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winnebago
For many Winnebago homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Winnebago, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Winnebago.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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 installers in Winnebago offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Winnebago homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Winnebago is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $5,692 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,010 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,539 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $13,278 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $16,228 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $19,389 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,760 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $26,341 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Winnebago, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winnebago?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Winnebago?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Winnebago have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.