Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hartford City, IN (Mar 2023)
- Hartford City Solar Installation Cost: $16,640
- 25-Year Savings: $25,824
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hartford City
We break down average solar pricing in Hartford City.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hartford City generally cost around 2.68. The average Hartford City homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,640 with the federal tax credit, or $23,795 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Hartford City for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hartford City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,942 |
| 3 years | $-11,544 |
| 5 years | $-8,147 |
| 7 years | $-4,750 |
| 9 years | $-1,353 |
| 11 years | $2,044 |
| 13 years | $5,441 |
| 15 years | $8,838 |
| 17 years | $12,235 |
| 19 years | $15,633 |
| 21 years | $19,030 |
| 23 years | $22,427 |
| 25 years | $25,824 |
Top Solar Installers in Hartford City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
For many Hartford City homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hartford City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,680. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hartford City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 Hartford City to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Hartford City, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hartford City know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $17,026 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $23,002 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $29,128 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $35,404 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $41,829 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $48,405 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $55,131 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $62,008 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Hartford City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hartford City?
The average cost of solar panels in Hartford City 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Hartford City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hartford City. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
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 $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 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.