Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fortville, IN (2024 Update)
- Fortville Solar Installation Cost: $25,441
- 25-Year Savings: $22,919
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fortville
We break down average solar pricing in Fortville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fortville, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 8.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Fortville, the average price of going solar will be about $25,441 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fortville homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Fortville homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Fortville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fortville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,156 |
| 3 years | $-21,586 |
| 5 years | $-19,017 |
| 7 years | $-16,447 |
| 9 years | $-13,877 |
| 11 years | $-11,308 |
| 13 years | $-8,738 |
| 15 years | $-6,169 |
| 17 years | $-3,599 |
| 19 years | $-1,029 |
| 21 years | $1,540 |
| 23 years | $4,110 |
| 25 years | $6,680 |
Top Solar Installers in Fortville
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
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 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 Fortville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fortville
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Fortville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fortville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fortville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fortville have more knowledge 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $8,860 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,273 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $15,915 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $19,787 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $23,889 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $28,220 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $32,780 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $37,570 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Fortville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fortville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fortville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fortville, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.