Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crawfordsville, IN (2024 Update)
- Crawfordsville Solar Installation Cost: $25,347
- 25-Year Savings: $25,417
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crawfordsville
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Crawfordsville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Crawfordsville typically cost about 4.The average Crawfordsville homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $25,347 with the federal tax credit, or $36,246 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Crawfordsville can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crawfordsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,021 |
| 3 years | $-21,370 |
| 5 years | $-18,719 |
| 7 years | $-16,067 |
| 9 years | $-13,416 |
| 11 years | $-10,765 |
| 13 years | $-8,114 |
| 15 years | $-5,463 |
| 17 years | $-2,811 |
| 19 years | $-160 |
| 21 years | $2,491 |
| 23 years | $5,142 |
| 25 years | $7,794 |
Top Solar Installers in Crawfordsville
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Crawfordsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crawfordsville
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Crawfordsville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Crawfordsville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,615 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $14,612 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $18,839 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $23,295 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $27,982 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $32,897 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $38,043 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $43,418 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Crawfordsville, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crawfordsville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Crawfordsville?
Solar panels aren’t free in Crawfordsville, 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 help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Crawfordsville?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.