Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gary, IN (2024 Update)
- Gary Solar Installation Cost: $25,659
- 25-Year Savings: $31,050
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gary
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Gary.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gary typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 8.9-kW system would cost about $25,659 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Gary homeowner can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Gary, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gary
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,940 |
| 3 years | $-20,500 |
| 5 years | $-17,061 |
| 7 years | $-13,621 |
| 9 years | $-10,182 |
| 11 years | $-6,742 |
| 13 years | $-3,303 |
| 15 years | $137 |
| 17 years | $3,576 |
| 19 years | $7,015 |
| 21 years | $10,455 |
| 23 years | $13,894 |
| 25 years | $17,334 |
Top Solar Installers in Gary
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Gary
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gary
The cost of installing a solar system in Gary can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Gary homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Gary’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,185 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $19,372 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $24,789 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $30,435 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $36,312 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $42,417 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $48,753 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $55,318 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Gary, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Gary, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gary?
The average cost of solar panels in Gary 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gary?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.