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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockford
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rockford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rockford it’s 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rockford find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer 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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
There are several criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Rockford, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,340 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Rockford have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rockford homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
There are a lot of companies available in Rockford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. 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?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.