Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockford, MN (2024 Update)
- Rockford Solar Installation Cost: $20,208
- 25-Year Savings: $19,365
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockford
We break down 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 solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Rockford is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,208 for a solar installation, or $28,897 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company 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 | $-18,929 |
| 3 years | $-16,370 |
| 5 years | $-13,811 |
| 7 years | $-11,252 |
| 9 years | $-8,693 |
| 11 years | $-6,135 |
| 13 years | $-3,576 |
| 15 years | $-1,017 |
| 17 years | $1,542 |
| 19 years | $4,101 |
| 21 years | $6,660 |
| 23 years | $9,219 |
| 25 years | $11,778 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockford
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- 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
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Rockford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,030.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
Most solar companies in Rockford offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration 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 last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rockford, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $10,545 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $14,511 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $18,703 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $23,121 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $27,764 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $32,633 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $37,727 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $43,048 | 13.5 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. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies 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 National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- 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
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, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockford?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockford is about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
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 $938.26 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 larger amount 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.