Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garrett, IN (Mar 2023)

  • Garrett Solar Installation Cost: $16,865
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,008
  • Payback Period: 10.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Garrett

We go over average solar pricing in Garrett.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Garrett generally cost about 2.68. The average Garrett homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,865 with the federal tax credit, or $24,117 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Garrett see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Garrett

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,230
3 years $-11,960
5 years $-8,691
7 years $-5,421
9 years $-2,151
11 years $1,119
13 years $4,389
15 years $7,659
17 years $10,929
19 years $14,198
21 years $17,468
23 years $20,738
25 years $24,008

Top Solar Installers in Garrett

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Garrett

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garrett

For many Garrett homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Garrett, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,680 per kilowatt in Garrett. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Garrett homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Garrett is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 $15,574 10.7 years
8 kW $2.73 $15,308 $21,066 10.5 years
10 kW $2.68 $18,760 $26,707 10.3 years
12 kW $2.63 $22,062 $32,499 10.1 years
14 kW $2.57 $25,213 $38,441 9.9 years
16 kW $2.52 $28,215 $44,533 9.7 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,067 $50,774 9.5 years
20 kW $2.41 $33,768 $57,167 9.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.

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 (coming 2022)

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Garrett, IN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Garrett?

The average cost of solar panels in Garrett is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Garrett?

Solar panels aren't free in Garrett, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

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 $909.35 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.

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