Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tell City, IN (2024 Update)
- Tell City Solar Installation Cost: $24,541
- 25-Year Savings: $25,021
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tell City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tell City.
In Tell City, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Tell City, most homeowners require a 8.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $24,541, or $35,094 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Tell City depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Tell City see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tell City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,065 |
| 3 years | $-20,114 |
| 5 years | $-17,162 |
| 7 years | $-14,211 |
| 9 years | $-11,260 |
| 11 years | $-8,308 |
| 13 years | $-5,357 |
| 15 years | $-2,405 |
| 17 years | $546 |
| 19 years | $3,498 |
| 21 years | $6,449 |
| 23 years | $9,400 |
| 25 years | $12,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Tell City
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar company in Tell City, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Tell City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tell City
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tell City to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tell City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Tell City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,904 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $14,998 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $19,321 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $23,874 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $28,657 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $33,669 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $38,911 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $44,382 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Tell City, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tell City?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tell City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Tell City?
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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.