Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochelle, IL (2024 Update)
- Rochelle Solar Installation Cost: $17,060
- 25-Year Savings: $12,465
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochelle
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rochelle.
In Rochelle, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Rochelle homeowner needs a 6.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,060 with the federal tax credit, or $24,396 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Rochelle homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Rochelle, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rochelle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,904 |
| 3 years | $-13,591 |
| 5 years | $-11,279 |
| 7 years | $-8,967 |
| 9 years | $-6,654 |
| 11 years | $-4,342 |
| 13 years | $-2,030 |
| 15 years | $283 |
| 17 years | $2,595 |
| 19 years | $4,907 |
| 21 years | $7,220 |
| 23 years | $9,532 |
| 25 years | $11,845 |
Top Solar Installers in Rochelle
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 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 Rochelle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochelle
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Rochelle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 $3,760. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.91 | $16,424 | $6,581 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $9,196 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $12,021 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $15,057 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $18,303 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $21,760 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $25,428 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $29,306 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Rochelle, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochelle?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $766.82 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 replace them once you've had 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.