Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zionsville, IN (2023 Update)
- Zionsville Solar Installation Cost: $16,620
- 25-Year Savings: $23,360
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zionsville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Zionsville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Zionsville, the average cost of a solar system is 2.68 per watt. The average Zionsville homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,621 with the federal tax credit, or $23,768 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Zionsville can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zionsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,486 |
| 3 years | $-16,220 |
| 5 years | $-15,953 |
| 7 years | $-15,687 |
| 9 years | $-15,420 |
| 11 years | $-15,154 |
| 13 years | $-14,887 |
| 15 years | $-14,621 |
| 17 years | $-14,354 |
| 19 years | $-14,087 |
| 21 years | $-13,821 |
| 23 years | $-13,554 |
| 25 years | $-13,288 |
Top Solar Installers in Zionsville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Zionsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zionsville
The cost of installing a solar system in Zionsville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,680. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Zionsville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Zionsville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Zionsville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Zionsville is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk 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 | $15,371 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $20,795 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $26,369 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $32,093 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $37,967 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $43,991 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $50,165 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $56,489 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Zionsville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Zionsville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zionsville?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Zionsville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Zionsville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $902.57 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Zionsville?
Although 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 the amount of 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 keep using 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.