Solar Panel Cost Guide in Notre Dame, IN (2024 Update)
- Notre Dame Solar Installation Cost: $25,950
- 25-Year Savings: $21,599
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Notre Dame
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Notre Dame.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Notre Dame it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Notre Dame, most homeowners require a 9.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $25,950, or $37,108 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Notre Dame can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Notre Dame
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,333 |
| 3 years | $-21,098 |
| 5 years | $-17,863 |
| 7 years | $-14,628 |
| 9 years | $-11,393 |
| 11 years | $-8,158 |
| 13 years | $-4,924 |
| 15 years | $-1,689 |
| 17 years | $1,546 |
| 19 years | $4,781 |
| 21 years | $8,016 |
| 23 years | $11,251 |
| 25 years | $14,486 |
Top Solar Installers in Notre Dame
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Notre Dame, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
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 get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Notre Dame have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $7,679 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $10,698 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $13,947 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $17,425 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $21,133 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $25,070 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $29,237 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $33,634 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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.
- 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: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Notre Dame is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Notre Dame?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Notre Dame, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $852.94 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.