Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portage, IN (2024 Update)
- Portage Solar Installation Cost: $25,646
- 25-Year Savings: $30,046
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portage
We go over average solar pricing in Portage.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Portage, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Portage, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $25,646, or $36,674 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Portage based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Portage homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Portage for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,927 |
| 3 years | $-20,487 |
| 5 years | $-17,048 |
| 7 years | $-13,608 |
| 9 years | $-10,169 |
| 11 years | $-6,729 |
| 13 years | $-3,290 |
| 15 years | $149 |
| 17 years | $3,589 |
| 19 years | $7,028 |
| 21 years | $10,468 |
| 23 years | $13,907 |
| 25 years | $17,347 |
Top Solar Installers in Portage
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Portage, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Portage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage
The cost of installing a solar system in Portage can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Portage, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Portage homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Portage’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Portage have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $13,521 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $18,487 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $23,683 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $29,109 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $34,764 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $40,648 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $46,763 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $53,106 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Portage, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portage?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Portage?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.