Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockford, KS (2024 Update)

  • Rockford Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,760
  • Payback Period: 9.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockford

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rockford.

The average cost of solar panels in Rockford is 3 per watt.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rockford, the average price of going solar will be about $17,256 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rockford can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Rockford, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rockford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,920
3 years $-13,247
5 years $-10,575
7 years $-7,903
9 years $-5,231
11 years $-2,559
13 years $113
15 years $2,785
17 years $5,457
19 years $8,130
21 years $10,802
23 years $13,474
25 years $16,146

Top Solar Installers in Rockford

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Rockford is $17,256, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,340 per kilowatt in Rockford.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Rockford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.47 $14,589 $21,295 10.2 years
8 kW $3.41 $19,078 $28,768 10.0 years
10 kW $3.34 $23,380 $36,427 9.8 years
12 kW $3.27 $27,495 $44,274 9.6 years
14 kW $3.21 $31,423 $52,307 9.4 years
16 kW $3.14 $35,164 $60,528 9.2 years
18 kW $3.07 $38,717 $68,935 9.0 years
20 kW $3.01 $42,084 $77,530 8.8 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. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 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 consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,196.14 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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.

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