Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, IN (2023 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $25,278
- 25-Year Savings: $23,541
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plainfield it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.8-kW system would cost about $25,278 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plainfield find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Plainfield: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
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 totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Plainfield homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Plainfield?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.