Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dixon, IL (2024 Update)

  • Dixon Solar Installation Cost: $17,026
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,250
  • Payback Period: 18.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Dixon

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dixon.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dixon generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Dixon is around 6.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,026 for a solar installation, or $24,347 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dixon see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Dixon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Dixon

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,870
3 years$-13,557
5 years$-11,245
7 years$-8,933
9 years$-6,620
11 years$-4,308
13 years$-1,996
15 years$317
17 years$2,629
19 years$4,942
21 years$7,254
23 years$9,566
25 years$11,879

Top Solar Installers in Dixon

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Dixon:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Dixon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dixon

Although the average cost of a solar system in Dixon is $17,026, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Dixon, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dixon homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dixon is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$4,54919.6 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$6,48719.2 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$8,63518.8 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$10,99318.4 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$13,56318.1 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$16,34217.7 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$19,33317.3 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$22,53416.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar 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:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high 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.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Dixon, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dixon?

The average cost of solar panels in Dixon is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Dixon have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.