Solar Panel Cost Guide in Greendale, IN (2024 Update)
- Greendale Solar Installation Cost: $24,917
- 25-Year Savings: $22,524
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Greendale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Greendale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Greendale it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Greendale, most homeowners require a 8.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $24,917, or $35,631 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Greendale homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Greendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,591 |
| 3 years | $-20,940 |
| 5 years | $-18,289 |
| 7 years | $-15,637 |
| 9 years | $-12,986 |
| 11 years | $-10,335 |
| 13 years | $-7,684 |
| 15 years | $-5,032 |
| 17 years | $-2,381 |
| 19 years | $270 |
| 21 years | $2,921 |
| 23 years | $5,572 |
| 25 years | $8,224 |
Top Solar Installers in Greendale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Greendale:
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 Greendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Greendale
For many Greendale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Greendale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly 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 affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Greendale, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Greendale are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $8,914 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,344 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $16,004 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $19,894 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $24,013 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $28,362 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $32,941 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $37,749 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Greendale, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Greendale?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.