Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tell City, IN (2023 Update)
- Tell City Solar Installation Cost: $16,040
- 25-Year Savings: $25,023
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tell City
We go over average solar pricing in Tell City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tell City it's 2.68 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $16,040 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Tell City can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tell City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,397 |
| 3 years | $-11,112 |
| 5 years | $-7,827 |
| 7 years | $-4,542 |
| 9 years | $-1,257 |
| 11 years | $2,028 |
| 13 years | $5,313 |
| 15 years | $8,598 |
| 17 years | $11,883 |
| 19 years | $15,168 |
| 21 years | $18,453 |
| 23 years | $21,738 |
| 25 years | $25,023 |
Top Solar Installers in Tell City
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Tell City, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Tell City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tell City
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Tell City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Tell City is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Tell City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $17,106 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $23,109 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $29,261 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $35,564 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $42,016 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $48,619 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $55,371 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $62,274 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Tell City, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tell City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tell City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Tell City have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 Tell City?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.