Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford City, IN (2024 Update)
- Hartford City Solar Installation Cost: $25,449
- 25-Year Savings: $25,829
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hartford City.
In Hartford City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.9-kW system would cost about $25,449 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hartford City homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hartford City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,832 |
| 3 years | $-20,597 |
| 5 years | $-17,362 |
| 7 years | $-14,127 |
| 9 years | $-10,892 |
| 11 years | $-7,658 |
| 13 years | $-4,423 |
| 15 years | $-1,188 |
| 17 years | $2,047 |
| 19 years | $5,282 |
| 21 years | $8,517 |
| 23 years | $11,752 |
| 25 years | $14,986 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Hartford City:
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 Hartford City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hartford City
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hartford City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,100.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hartford City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hartford City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Hartford City, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $10,824 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $14,891 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $19,188 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $23,714 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $28,470 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $33,456 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $38,671 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $44,116 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion 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 Hartford City, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hartford City?
The average cost of solar panels in Hartford City 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hartford City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $957.76 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Hartford City?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.