Solar Panel Cost Guide in Munster, IN (2024 Update)
- Munster Solar Installation Cost: $25,659
- 25-Year Savings: $31,050
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Munster
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Munster.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Munster generally cost about 4.Because a 8.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Munster, the average price of going solar will be about $25,659 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Munster for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Munster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,940 |
| 3 years | $-20,500 |
| 5 years | $-17,061 |
| 7 years | $-13,621 |
| 9 years | $-10,182 |
| 11 years | $-6,742 |
| 13 years | $-3,303 |
| 15 years | $137 |
| 17 years | $3,576 |
| 19 years | $7,015 |
| 21 years | $10,455 |
| 23 years | $13,894 |
| 25 years | $17,334 |
Top Solar Installers in Munster
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Munster, we've 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
See all of the solar companies in Munster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Munster
For many Munster homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Munster, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Munster, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Munster offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s wise to add 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Munster is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,185 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $19,372 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $24,789 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $30,435 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $36,312 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $42,417 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $48,753 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $55,318 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Munster, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Munster?
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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Munster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 buy 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.