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 typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fortville, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $25,441, or $36,381 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fortville can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Fortville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Fortville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fortville
The cost of installing a solar system in Fortville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,100 per kilowatt in Fortville.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fortville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Fortville know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Fortville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fortville?
The average cost of solar panels in Fortville 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fortville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $892.30 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.