Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockford, MN (Mar 2023)
- Rockford Solar Installation Cost: $14,234
- 25-Year Savings: $19,373
- Payback Period: 10.6 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rockford, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.84 per watt. The average Rockford homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,234 with the federal tax credit, or $20,355 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rockford based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,890 |
| 3 years | $-10,201 |
| 5 years | $-7,513 |
| 7 years | $-4,824 |
| 9 years | $-2,136 |
| 11 years | $553 |
| 13 years | $3,241 |
| 15 years | $5,930 |
| 17 years | $8,619 |
| 19 years | $11,307 |
| 21 years | $13,996 |
| 23 years | $16,684 |
| 25 years | $19,373 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockford
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Rockford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockford
The cost of installing a solar system in Rockford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,840. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking 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 companies in Rockford provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Rockford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $15,743 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $21,308 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $27,033 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $32,917 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $38,959 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $45,161 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $51,522 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $58,042 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Rockford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Rockford, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockford?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rockford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rockford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.