Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, IN (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $25,800
- 25-Year Savings: $24,009
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
We go over average solar pricing in Auburn.
The average cost of a solar system in Auburn is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.0-kW system would cost about $25,800 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Auburn based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,183 |
| 3 years | $-20,948 |
| 5 years | $-17,713 |
| 7 years | $-14,478 |
| 9 years | $-11,243 |
| 11 years | $-8,008 |
| 13 years | $-4,773 |
| 15 years | $-1,539 |
| 17 years | $1,696 |
| 19 years | $4,931 |
| 21 years | $8,166 |
| 23 years | $11,401 |
| 25 years | $14,636 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
For many Auburn homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Auburn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Auburn average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Auburn to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Auburn is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across 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 specials 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $9,372 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,955 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $16,767 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $20,810 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $25,081 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $29,583 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $34,314 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $39,275 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Auburn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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 Auburn, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.