Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockford, KS (Mar 2023)
- Rockford Solar Installation Cost: $13,380
- 25-Year Savings: $30,761
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockford
We go over average solar pricing in Rockford.
The average cost of a solar system in Rockford is 2.59 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rockford is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,380 for a solar installation, or $19,133 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Rockford based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,614 |
| 3 years | $-8,083 |
| 5 years | $-4,552 |
| 7 years | $-1,020 |
| 9 years | $2,511 |
| 11 years | $6,042 |
| 13 years | $9,573 |
| 15 years | $13,105 |
| 17 years | $16,636 |
| 19 years | $20,167 |
| 21 years | $23,698 |
| 23 years | $27,230 |
| 25 years | $30,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockford
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 adopt solar energy rests on 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 number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Rockford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Rockford homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rockford homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rockford is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $24,571 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $33,052 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $41,677 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $50,448 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $59,363 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $68,424 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $77,629 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $86,980 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockford?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockford is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rockford?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rockford. 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 switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.