Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, IN (2024 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $25,278
- 25-Year Savings: $23,541
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainfield
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Plainfield.
The average cost of solar panels in Plainfield is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Plainfield, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $25,278, or $36,148 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Plainfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plainfield find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,983 |
| 3 years | $-21,393 |
| 5 years | $-18,803 |
| 7 years | $-16,213 |
| 9 years | $-13,623 |
| 11 years | $-11,033 |
| 13 years | $-8,443 |
| 15 years | $-5,853 |
| 17 years | $-3,263 |
| 19 years | $-673 |
| 21 years | $1,917 |
| 23 years | $4,507 |
| 25 years | $7,097 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainfield
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Plainfield, 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
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 Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainfield
While the average cost of a solar system in Plainfield is $25,278, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Plainfield, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Plainfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically 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 extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $9,384 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,971 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $16,788 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $20,835 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $25,111 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $29,616 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $34,352 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $39,317 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Plainfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand 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 options before making your decision.
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 Plainfield, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Plainfield 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.