Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valparaiso, IN (2023 Update)
- Valparaiso Solar Installation Cost: $16,771
- 25-Year Savings: $28,521
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valparaiso
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Valparaiso.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Valparaiso it's 2.68 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Valparaiso, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,771, or $23,983 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Valparaiso based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Valparaiso that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Valparaiso
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,960 |
| 3 years | $-11,336 |
| 5 years | $-7,713 |
| 7 years | $-4,090 |
| 9 years | $-466 |
| 11 years | $3,157 |
| 13 years | $6,780 |
| 15 years | $10,404 |
| 17 years | $14,027 |
| 19 years | $17,650 |
| 21 years | $21,274 |
| 23 years | $24,897 |
| 25 years | $28,521 |
Top Solar Installers in Valparaiso
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Valparaiso can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,680 per kilowatt in Valparaiso. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Valparaiso, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total 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 making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Valparaiso is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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.