Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westville, IN (Mar 2023)
- Westville Solar Installation Cost: $16,865
- 25-Year Savings: $30,957
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westville
We break down average solar pricing in Westville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westville typically cost around 2.68. Because a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Westville, the average price of going solar will be about $16,865 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Westville depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Westville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westville
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-14,952 |
3 years | $-11,127 |
5 years | $-7,301 |
7 years | $-3,475 |
9 years | $351 |
11 years | $4,177 |
13 years | $8,002 |
15 years | $11,828 |
17 years | $15,654 |
19 years | $19,480 |
21 years | $23,305 |
23 years | $27,131 |
25 years | $30,957 |
Top Solar Installers in Westville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Westville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westville
For many Westville homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,680 per kilowatt in Westville. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Westville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westville to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration 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
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Westville, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $20,195 | 9.2 years |
8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $27,226 | 9.0 years |
10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $34,408 | 8.8 years |
12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $41,740 | 8.6 years |
14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $49,222 | 8.5 years |
16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $56,854 | 8.3 years |
18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $64,636 | 8.1 years |
20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $72,568 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Westville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westville?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.