Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porter, IN (2024 Update)
- Porter Solar Installation Cost: $25,646
- 25-Year Savings: $31,058
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Porter
We go over average solar pricing in Porter.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Porter typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 8.9-kW system would cost about $25,646 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Porter homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Porter find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Porter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,927 |
| 3 years | $-20,487 |
| 5 years | $-17,048 |
| 7 years | $-13,608 |
| 9 years | $-10,169 |
| 11 years | $-6,729 |
| 13 years | $-3,290 |
| 15 years | $149 |
| 17 years | $3,589 |
| 19 years | $7,028 |
| 21 years | $10,468 |
| 23 years | $13,907 |
| 25 years | $17,347 |
Top Solar Installers in Porter
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Porter:
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 Porter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porter
There are a number of factors 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,100.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Porter average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Porter to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Porter, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $14,201 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $19,393 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $24,816 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $30,468 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $36,349 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $42,460 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $48,801 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $55,372 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Porter, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Porter?
The average cost of solar panels in Porter 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Porter?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Porter?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Porter?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.