Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dorr, IL (2024 Update)
- Dorr Solar Installation Cost: $17,168
- 25-Year Savings: $11,736
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dorr
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dorr.
The average cost of a solar system in Dorr is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.5-kW system would cost about $17,168 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dorr see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Dorr, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dorr
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,012 |
| 3 years | $-13,700 |
| 5 years | $-11,387 |
| 7 years | $-9,075 |
| 9 years | $-6,762 |
| 11 years | $-4,450 |
| 13 years | $-2,138 |
| 15 years | $175 |
| 17 years | $2,487 |
| 19 years | $4,799 |
| 21 years | $7,112 |
| 23 years | $9,424 |
| 25 years | $11,736 |
Top Solar Installers in Dorr
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Dorr
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dorr
For many Dorr homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dorr, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production 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 $3,760.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dorr, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dorr have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Dorr is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.91 | $16,424 | $4,375 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $6,255 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $8,345 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $10,646 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $13,157 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $15,879 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $18,812 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $21,955 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Dorr, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dorr?
The average cost of solar panels in Dorr 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Dorr?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.