Solar Panel Cost Guide in De Motte, IN (2023 Update)

  • De Motte Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,966
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in De Motte

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in De Motte.

The average cost of a solar panel system in De Motte is 2.68 per watt. The average De Motte 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.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average De Motte homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in De Motte

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,945
3 years $-11,506
5 years $-8,066
7 years $-4,627
9 years $-1,187
11 years $2,252
13 years $5,691
15 years $9,131
17 years $12,570
19 years $16,010
21 years $19,449
23 years $22,889
25 years $26,328

Top Solar Installers in De Motte

When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

If you're searching for a solar installer in De Motte, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 De Motte

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in De Motte

For many De Motte homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in De Motte, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay around $2,680 per kilowatt in De Motte. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in De Motte, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in De Motte is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better 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 names.

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 $18,438 9.7 years
8 kW $2.73 $15,308 $24,885 9.5 years
10 kW $2.68 $18,760 $31,481 9.3 years
12 kW $2.63 $22,062 $38,228 9.1 years
14 kW $2.57 $25,213 $45,124 9.0 years
16 kW $2.52 $28,215 $52,171 8.8 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,067 $59,367 8.6 years
20 kW $2.41 $33,768 $66,714 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in De Motte, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 De Motte, IN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in De Motte?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in De Motte?

You can't get solar panels for free in De Motte. However, you may still be able to get 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 making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct 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 how many solar panels 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.

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