Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valparaiso, IN (2023 Update)
- Valparaiso Solar Installation Cost: $16,764
- 25-Year Savings: $28,528
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valparaiso
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Valparaiso.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Valparaiso it's 2.68 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Valparaiso is around 8.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,771 for a solar installation, or $23,983 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valparaiso find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valparaiso
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,613 |
| 3 years | $-16,311 |
| 5 years | $-16,009 |
| 7 years | $-15,707 |
| 9 years | $-15,405 |
| 11 years | $-15,103 |
| 13 years | $-14,801 |
| 15 years | $-14,499 |
| 17 years | $-14,198 |
| 19 years | $-13,896 |
| 21 years | $-13,594 |
| 23 years | $-13,292 |
| 25 years | $-12,990 |
Top Solar Installers in Valparaiso
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Valparaiso
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valparaiso
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Valparaiso: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Valparaiso, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,680 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Valparaiso, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Valparaiso, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Valparaiso is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $18,704 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $25,239 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $31,924 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $38,759 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $45,745 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $52,880 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $60,165 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $67,601 | 8.3 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Valparaiso, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valparaiso?
The average cost of solar panels in Valparaiso is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Valparaiso have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 Valparaiso?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production 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.