Solar Panel Cost Guide in Indiana, PA (2024 Update)

  • Indiana Solar Installation Cost: $17,599
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,009
  • Payback Period: 16.5 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 Indiana

See how much it might cost to go solar in Indiana.

In Indiana, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Indiana, most homeowners require a 7.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,599, or $25,167 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Indiana homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Indiana homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Indiana

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,121
3 years $-13,166
5 years $-10,211
7 years $-7,256
9 years $-4,301
11 years $-1,346
13 years $1,609
15 years $4,563
17 years $7,518
19 years $10,473
21 years $13,428
23 years $16,383
25 years $19,338

Top Solar Installers in Indiana

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Indiana, optimizing your ROI.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Indiana

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Indiana

There are many criteria that can determine 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 panels.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,550 per kilowatt in Indiana.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Indiana provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Indiana, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and 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 specials 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 $3.69 $15,506 $7,072 17.2 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $9,827 16.8 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $12,780 16.5 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $15,933 16.2 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $19,284 15.8 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $22,834 15.5 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $26,583 15.2 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $30,531 14.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Indiana, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Indiana, PA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indiana?

The average cost of solar panels in Indiana is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Indiana?

Solar panels aren’t free in Indiana, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Does Indiana have a net metering program?

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

How long do solar panels last in Indiana?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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