Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitestown, IN (2023 Update)
- Whitestown Solar Installation Cost: $16,621
- 25-Year Savings: $23,434
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitestown
We break down average solar pricing in Whitestown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whitestown it's 2.68 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Whitestown, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,621, or $23,768 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Whitestown depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,019 |
| 3 years | $-11,815 |
| 5 years | $-8,610 |
| 7 years | $-5,406 |
| 9 years | $-2,202 |
| 11 years | $1,003 |
| 13 years | $4,207 |
| 15 years | $7,412 |
| 17 years | $10,616 |
| 19 years | $13,820 |
| 21 years | $17,025 |
| 23 years | $20,229 |
| 25 years | $23,434 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitestown
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Whitestown:
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 Whitestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitestown
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Whitestown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Whitestown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,680 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Whitestown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce 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 all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $15,422 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $20,863 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $26,453 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $32,194 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $38,085 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $44,126 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $50,318 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $56,659 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers 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 Whitestown, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Whitestown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Whitestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably 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% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.