Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Chicago, IN (2024 Update)

  • East Chicago Solar Installation Cost: $25,659
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,050
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 East Chicago

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in East Chicago.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Chicago, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average East Chicago homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $25,659 with the federal tax credit, or $36,692 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average East Chicago homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average East Chicago homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in East Chicago that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in East Chicago

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-23,940
3 years $-20,500
5 years $-17,061
7 years $-13,621
9 years $-10,182
11 years $-6,742
13 years $-3,303
15 years $137
17 years $3,576
19 years $7,015
21 years $10,455
23 years $13,894
25 years $17,334

Top Solar Installers in East Chicago

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 East Chicago

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Chicago

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in East Chicago: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many East Chicago homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $14,185 14.0 years
8 kW $4.18 $23,419 $19,372 13.7 years
10 kW $4.10 $28,700 $24,789 13.4 years
12 kW $4.02 $33,751 $30,435 13.1 years
14 kW $3.94 $38,573 $36,312 12.9 years
16 kW $3.85 $43,165 $42,417 12.6 years
18 kW $3.77 $47,527 $48,753 12.3 years
20 kW $3.69 $51,660 $55,318 12.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 East Chicago, IN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Chicago?

The average cost of solar panels in East Chicago 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Chicago?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

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 in East Chicago, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in East Chicago?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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