Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cicero, IN (Mar 2023)
- Cicero Solar Installation Cost: $16,659
- 25-Year Savings: $21,855
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cicero
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cicero.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cicero typically cost around 2.68. The average Cicero homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,659 with the federal tax credit, or $23,822 before the 30% 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 consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cicero find going solar can pay off big.
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 Cicero
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,118 |
| 3 years | $-12,037 |
| 5 years | $-8,956 |
| 7 years | $-5,875 |
| 9 years | $-2,794 |
| 11 years | $287 |
| 13 years | $3,368 |
| 15 years | $6,449 |
| 17 years | $9,530 |
| 19 years | $12,612 |
| 21 years | $15,693 |
| 23 years | $18,774 |
| 25 years | $21,855 |
Top Solar Installers in Cicero
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Cicero
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cicero
For many Cicero homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cicero, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering 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 factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cicero is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Cicero are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.79 | $11,706 | $14,315 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $19,386 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $24,608 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $29,980 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $35,502 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $41,174 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $46,996 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $52,968 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Cicero, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Cicero, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cicero?
The average cost of solar panels in Cicero is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cicero?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cicero, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Cicero?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.