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
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Updated September 15, 2023
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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 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 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 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 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.