Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schererville, IN (2024 Update)

  • Schererville Solar Installation Cost: $25,659
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,038
  • Payback Period: 13.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schererville

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Schererville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Schererville it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Schererville, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $25,659, or $36,692 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Schererville homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Schererville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-23,940
3 years $-20,500
5 years $-17,061
7 years $-13,621
9 years $-10,182
11 years $-6,742
13 years $-3,303
15 years $137
17 years $3,576
19 years $7,015
21 years $10,455
23 years $13,894
25 years $17,334

Top Solar Installers in Schererville

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Schererville:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Schererville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Schererville

For many Schererville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Schererville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Schererville average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Schererville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Schererville is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.

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 $13,505 14.3 years
8 kW $4.18 $23,419 $18,466 14.0 years
10 kW $4.10 $28,700 $23,657 13.7 years
12 kW $4.02 $33,751 $29,077 13.4 years
14 kW $3.94 $38,573 $34,727 13.2 years
16 kW $3.85 $43,165 $40,606 12.9 years
18 kW $3.77 $47,527 $46,715 12.6 years
20 kW $3.69 $51,660 $53,054 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Schererville, IN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Schererville?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Schererville?

Solar panels aren’t free in Schererville, 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 help lower the cost.

Does Schererville have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Schererville?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.

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