Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitestown, IN (2024 Update)
- Whitestown Solar Installation Cost: $25,425
- 25-Year Savings: $23,435
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitestown
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Whitestown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whitestown, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Whitestown homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $25,425 with the federal tax credit, or $36,358 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Whitestown homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Whitestown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Whitestown
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-24,127 |
3 years | $-21,530 |
5 years | $-18,933 |
7 years | $-16,337 |
9 years | $-13,740 |
11 years | $-11,143 |
13 years | $-8,546 |
15 years | $-5,949 |
17 years | $-3,352 |
19 years | $-756 |
21 years | $1,841 |
23 years | $4,438 |
25 years | $7,035 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitestown
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Whitestown: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,100 per kilowatt in Whitestown.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Whitestown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Whitestown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Whitestown is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $9,219 | 16.5 years |
8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,752 | 16.2 years |
10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $16,513 | 15.9 years |
12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $20,505 | 15.6 years |
14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $24,726 | 15.2 years |
16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $29,177 | 14.9 years |
18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $33,857 | 14.6 years |
20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $38,767 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Whitestown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitestown is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Whitestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.