Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crawfordsville, IN (2024 Update)
- Crawfordsville Solar Installation Cost: $25,347
- 25-Year Savings: $25,417
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crawfordsville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Crawfordsville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Crawfordsville, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Crawfordsville homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $25,347 with the federal tax credit, or $36,246 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Crawfordsville find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Crawfordsville for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Crawfordsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,021 |
| 3 years | $-21,370 |
| 5 years | $-18,719 |
| 7 years | $-16,067 |
| 9 years | $-13,416 |
| 11 years | $-10,765 |
| 13 years | $-8,114 |
| 15 years | $-5,463 |
| 17 years | $-2,811 |
| 19 years | $-160 |
| 21 years | $2,491 |
| 23 years | $5,142 |
| 25 years | $7,794 |
Top Solar Installers in Crawfordsville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Crawfordsville, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Crawfordsville, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Crawfordsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crawfordsville
For many Crawfordsville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Crawfordsville, 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 major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,100.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Crawfordsville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Crawfordsville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Crawfordsville know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $10,615 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $14,612 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $18,839 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $23,295 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $27,982 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $32,897 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $38,043 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $43,418 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Crawfordsville, 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:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Crawfordsville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crawfordsville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Crawfordsville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Crawfordsville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Crawfordsville?
Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 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.