Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, IN (2023 Update)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $16,607
- 25-Year Savings: $27,499
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Winchester.
In Winchester, solar panels cost about 2.68 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Winchester, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,603, or $23,742 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Winchester homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,460 |
| 3 years | $-16,166 |
| 5 years | $-15,872 |
| 7 years | $-15,578 |
| 9 years | $-15,284 |
| 11 years | $-14,990 |
| 13 years | $-14,696 |
| 15 years | $-14,402 |
| 17 years | $-14,108 |
| 19 years | $-13,814 |
| 21 years | $-13,520 |
| 23 years | $-13,226 |
| 25 years | $-12,932 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
The cost of installing a solar system in Winchester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,680. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Winchester provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Winchester, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Winchester know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,188 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $24,550 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $31,063 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $37,726 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $44,539 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $51,502 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $58,615 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $65,878 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Winchester, 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:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Winchester, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winchester?
The average cost of solar panels in Winchester 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Winchester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Winchester. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Winchester?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.