Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunlap, IN (2024 Update)
- Dunlap Solar Installation Cost: $25,934
- 25-Year Savings: $26,240
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunlap
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Dunlap.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunlap it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dunlap, most homeowners require a 9.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $25,934, or $37,086 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Dunlap depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dunlap find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Dunlap, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dunlap
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,317 |
| 3 years | $-21,082 |
| 5 years | $-17,847 |
| 7 years | $-14,612 |
| 9 years | $-11,377 |
| 11 years | $-8,143 |
| 13 years | $-4,908 |
| 15 years | $-1,673 |
| 17 years | $1,562 |
| 19 years | $4,797 |
| 21 years | $8,032 |
| 23 years | $11,267 |
| 25 years | $14,501 |
Top Solar Installers in Dunlap
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another good thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Dunlap:
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 Dunlap
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunlap
For many Dunlap homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dunlap, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Dunlap homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dunlap, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,770 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $14,819 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $19,097 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $23,606 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $28,344 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $33,311 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $38,508 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $43,935 | 13.5 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Dunlap, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dunlap?
The average cost of solar panels in Dunlap 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dunlap?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.