Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Haven, IN (2024 Update)
- South Haven Solar Installation Cost: $25,646
- 25-Year Savings: $28,528
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Haven
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in South Haven.
The average cost of a solar panel system in South Haven is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Haven is around 8.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $25,646 for a solar installation, or $36,674 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 will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Haven find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Haven
| 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 South Haven
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 South Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Haven
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in South Haven: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Haven offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce 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 figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in South Haven is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $12,502 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $17,128 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $21,984 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $27,070 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $32,385 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $37,930 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $43,705 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $49,709 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 South Haven, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Haven?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, 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 a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.