Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crawfordsville, IN (Mar 2023)
- Crawfordsville Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
- 25-Year Savings: $25,420
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crawfordsville
See how much it might cost to go solar in Crawfordsville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Crawfordsville typically cost about 2.68. The average Crawfordsville homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,565 with the federal tax credit, or $23,688 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Crawfordsville homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Crawfordsville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crawfordsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,886 |
| 3 years | $-11,527 |
| 5 years | $-8,168 |
| 7 years | $-4,809 |
| 9 years | $-1,451 |
| 11 years | $1,908 |
| 13 years | $5,267 |
| 15 years | $8,626 |
| 17 years | $11,985 |
| 19 years | $15,343 |
| 21 years | $18,702 |
| 23 years | $22,061 |
| 25 years | $25,420 |
Top Solar Installers in Crawfordsville
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Crawfordsville:
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 Crawfordsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crawfordsville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Crawfordsville is $16,565, your actual cost may be above or below the average. 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 crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,680. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Crawfordsville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,817 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $22,723 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $28,779 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $34,985 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $41,341 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $47,847 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $54,503 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $61,310 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Crawfordsville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Crawfordsville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Crawfordsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Crawfordsville have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Crawfordsville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.