Solar Panel Cost Guide in Notre Dame, IN (2023 Update)

  • Notre Dame Solar Installation Cost: $16,963
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,599
  • Payback Period: 11.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Notre Dame

We go over average solar pricing in Notre Dame.

In Notre Dame, solar panels cost about 2.68 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Notre Dame is around 9.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,959 for a solar installation, or $24,251 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Notre Dame homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Notre Dame can save around $16,000 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 Notre Dame

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,834
3 years $-16,577
5 years $-16,320
7 years $-16,063
9 years $-15,806
11 years $-15,549
13 years $-15,292
15 years $-15,034
17 years $-14,777
19 years $-14,520
21 years $-14,263
23 years $-14,006
25 years $-13,749

Top Solar Installers in Notre Dame

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Notre Dame:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Notre Dame

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Notre Dame

There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Notre Dame provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Notre Dame is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $2.79 $11,706 $13,882 11.4 years
8 kW $2.73 $15,308 $18,809 11.2 years
10 kW $2.68 $18,760 $23,887 11.0 years
12 kW $2.63 $22,062 $29,115 10.8 years
14 kW $2.57 $25,213 $34,492 10.6 years
16 kW $2.52 $28,215 $40,020 10.3 years
18 kW $2.47 $31,067 $45,698 10.1 years
20 kW $2.41 $33,768 $51,526 9.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Notre Dame, IN Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Notre Dame?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Notre Dame is currently $90,868, so you can look forward to a value of about $3,726 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Notre Dame is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Notre Dame?

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 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.

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