Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middlebury, IN (2024 Update)
- Middlebury Solar Installation Cost: $25,934
- 25-Year Savings: $31,008
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middlebury
We break down average solar pricing in Middlebury.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Middlebury generally cost around 4.Because a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Middlebury, the average price of going solar will be about $25,934 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Middlebury homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Middlebury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middlebury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,215 |
| 3 years | $-20,775 |
| 5 years | $-17,336 |
| 7 years | $-13,896 |
| 9 years | $-10,457 |
| 11 years | $-7,017 |
| 13 years | $-3,578 |
| 15 years | $-138 |
| 17 years | $3,301 |
| 19 years | $6,740 |
| 21 years | $10,180 |
| 23 years | $13,619 |
| 25 years | $17,059 |
Top Solar Installers in Middlebury
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Middlebury, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Middlebury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middlebury
The cost of installing a solar system in Middlebury can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,100 per kilowatt in Middlebury.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Middlebury homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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 can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Middlebury, you’ll have lots 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 car 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 | $13,936 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $19,041 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $24,375 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $29,939 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $35,732 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $41,755 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $48,008 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $54,490 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Middlebury, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past customers.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project 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 Middlebury, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middlebury?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Middlebury?
Solar panels aren’t free in Middlebury, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,061.50 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 usage 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 cover 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.