Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Porte, IN (2024 Update)
- La Porte Solar Installation Cost: $25,814
- 25-Year Savings: $15,900
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Porte
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in La Porte.
In La Porte, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in La Porte, the average price of going solar will be about $25,814 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in La Porte see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Porte
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,146 |
| 3 years | $-20,808 |
| 5 years | $-17,471 |
| 7 years | $-14,134 |
| 9 years | $-10,797 |
| 11 years | $-7,460 |
| 13 years | $-4,123 |
| 15 years | $-785 |
| 17 years | $2,552 |
| 19 years | $5,889 |
| 21 years | $9,226 |
| 23 years | $12,563 |
| 25 years | $15,900 |
Top Solar Installers in La Porte
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 La Porte
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Porte
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the La Porte average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in La Porte have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in La Porte, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.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 because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $10,808 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $14,869 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $19,161 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $23,682 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $28,432 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $33,412 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $38,622 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $44,061 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in La Porte, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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 La Porte, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Porte?
The average cost of solar panels in La Porte 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $957.21 per year.
How long do solar panels last in La Porte?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.