Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kendallville, IN (Mar 2023)
- Kendallville Solar Installation Cost: $16,865
- 25-Year Savings: $26,485
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kendallville
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Kendallville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kendallville generally cost around 2.68. The average Kendallville 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Kendallville can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kendallville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,131 |
| 3 years | $-11,663 |
| 5 years | $-8,195 |
| 7 years | $-4,727 |
| 9 years | $-1,259 |
| 11 years | $2,209 |
| 13 years | $5,677 |
| 15 years | $9,145 |
| 17 years | $12,613 |
| 19 years | $16,081 |
| 21 years | $19,549 |
| 23 years | $23,017 |
| 25 years | $26,485 |
Top Solar Installers in Kendallville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Kendallville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kendallville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kendallville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Kendallville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kendallville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kendallville provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Kendallville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,237 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $23,283 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $29,479 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $35,825 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $42,321 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $48,968 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $55,764 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $62,710 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Kendallville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Kendallville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kendallville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Kendallville have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Kendallville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.