Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockford, KS (2023 Update)
- Rockford Solar Installation Cost: $13,381
- 25-Year Savings: $30,760
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockford
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Rockford.
In Rockford, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average Rockford homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,380 with the federal tax credit, or $19,133 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Rockford based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Rockford can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,045 |
| 3 years | $-9,373 |
| 5 years | $-6,701 |
| 7 years | $-4,028 |
| 9 years | $-1,356 |
| 11 years | $1,316 |
| 13 years | $3,988 |
| 15 years | $6,660 |
| 17 years | $9,332 |
| 19 years | $12,004 |
| 21 years | $14,676 |
| 23 years | $17,349 |
| 25 years | $20,021 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockford
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Rockford, we've 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 Rockford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockford
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel 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 chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Rockford average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Rockford, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.69 | $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
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.