Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winnebago, IL (2025 Update)
- Winnebago Solar Installation Cost: $17,167
- 25-Year Savings: $11,576
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winnebago
We go over average solar pricing in Winnebago.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Winnebago is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Winnebago, most homeowners require a 6.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,167, or $24,549 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Winnebago based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Winnebago homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
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 Winnebago
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,011 |
| 3 years | $-13,698 |
| 5 years | $-11,386 |
| 7 years | $-9,074 |
| 9 years | $-6,761 |
| 11 years | $-4,449 |
| 13 years | $-2,137 |
| 15 years | $176 |
| 17 years | $2,488 |
| 19 years | $4,801 |
| 21 years | $7,113 |
| 23 years | $9,425 |
| 25 years | $11,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Winnebago
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Winnebago, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Winnebago
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winnebago
While the average cost of a solar system in Winnebago is $17,167, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,760 per kilowatt in Winnebago.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want 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 installers in Winnebago provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Winnebago’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $5,692 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.84 | $21,477 | $8,010 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.76 | $26,320 | $10,539 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.68 | $30,952 | $13,278 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.61 | $35,374 | $16,228 | 17.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.53 | $39,585 | $19,389 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.46 | $43,586 | $22,760 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.38 | $47,376 | $26,341 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
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 Winnebago, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winnebago?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Winnebago?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Winnebago have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.