Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiting, IN (2024 Update)

  • Whiting Solar Installation Cost: $25,659
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,050
  • Payback Period: 13.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiting

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Whiting.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whiting it’s 4 per watt.The average Whiting homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $25,659 with the federal tax credit, or $36,692 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Whiting depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Whiting, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Whiting

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-23,940
3 years $-20,500
5 years $-17,061
7 years $-13,621
9 years $-10,182
11 years $-6,742
13 years $-3,303
15 years $137
17 years $3,576
19 years $7,015
21 years $10,455
23 years $13,894
25 years $17,334

Top Solar Installers in Whiting

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Whiting

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whiting

There are several factors that can affect 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

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge 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 — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Whiting, 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

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Whiting, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Whiting homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Whiting, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $14,185 14.0 years
8 kW $4.18 $23,419 $19,372 13.7 years
10 kW $4.10 $28,700 $24,789 13.4 years
12 kW $4.02 $33,751 $30,435 13.1 years
14 kW $3.94 $38,573 $36,312 12.9 years
16 kW $3.85 $43,165 $42,417 12.6 years
18 kW $3.77 $47,527 $48,753 12.3 years
20 kW $3.69 $51,660 $55,318 12.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Whiting, IN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whiting?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Whiting?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Does Whiting have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 account for 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.

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