Solar Panel Cost Guide in Notre Dame, IN (2024 Update)
- Notre Dame Solar Installation Cost: $25,950
- 25-Year Savings: $21,599
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Notre Dame
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Notre Dame.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Notre Dame generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Notre Dame is around 9.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $25,950 for a solar installation, or $37,108 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Notre Dame find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Notre Dame
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,333 |
| 3 years | $-21,098 |
| 5 years | $-17,863 |
| 7 years | $-14,628 |
| 9 years | $-11,393 |
| 11 years | $-8,158 |
| 13 years | $-4,924 |
| 15 years | $-1,689 |
| 17 years | $1,546 |
| 19 years | $4,781 |
| 21 years | $8,016 |
| 23 years | $11,251 |
| 25 years | $14,486 |
Top Solar Installers in Notre Dame
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Notre Dame
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Notre Dame
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Notre Dame: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 assess 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 bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Notre Dame average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Notre Dame to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Notre Dame, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $7,679 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $10,698 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $13,947 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $17,425 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $21,133 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $25,070 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $29,237 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $33,634 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company 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 Notre Dame, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Notre Dame?
The average cost of solar panels in Notre Dame 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Notre Dame?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Notre Dame. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Notre Dame, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.