In Indiana, a 6.2-kW system for an average home costs about $16,262 after incentives in 2026, saves about $957 in the first year and pays back in 14.4 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 6.16 kW × $2.64/W | $16,262 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $16,262 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $16,262 | $957 | 14.4 yr | $16,352 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $16,262 | $957 | 12.6 yr | $29,537 |
| Rates stay flat | $16,262 | $957 | 17.7 yr | $6,273 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $22,176 | $957 | 18.5 yr | $10,438 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $34,258 | $1,285 | 20.7 yr | $9,538 |
| Size to 100% of use instead | $23,232 | $1,367 | 14.4 yr | $23,360 |
Verdict: at average Indiana numbers, solar is a marginal investment in 2026 — payback takes 14.4 years, leaving you $16,352 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: export credits below retail (exports earn ~50% of retail), so only the solar you use yourself earns full value. Get at least three quotes: every $0.25/W you shave off the price moves payback by roughly a year or more here.
Net metering and exports in Indiana: Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) net billing since 2022: exports credited at 125% of prior-year average wholesale price (~half retail).
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Indiana average of $1,333/kWh adds $17,996 and shifts about 4,331 kWh a year from low-paid exports to your own use; payback becomes 20.7 years.
EnergySage's Indiana page lists a 18.2-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 40% self-use and the state's export credit, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.