Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, IN (2024 Update)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $25,407
- 25-Year Savings: $27,499
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Winchester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Winchester it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Winchester, most homeowners require a 8.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $25,407, or $36,332 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Winchester see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Winchester for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,882 |
| 3 years | $-20,833 |
| 5 years | $-17,784 |
| 7 years | $-14,735 |
| 9 years | $-11,686 |
| 11 years | $-8,637 |
| 13 years | $-5,588 |
| 15 years | $-2,539 |
| 17 years | $510 |
| 19 years | $3,559 |
| 21 years | $6,608 |
| 23 years | $9,657 |
| 25 years | $12,706 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Winchester: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Winchester, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 down 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $11,985 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $16,439 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $21,123 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $26,037 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $31,180 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $36,552 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $42,154 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $47,986 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Winchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 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 $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Winchester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.