Brighten Your Home and Wallet: The Pros of Solar Panels in Indiana
Indiana has enough sun to make it possible to create 18% of its electricity from household roof solar panels alone. With today’s solar federal tax credit and Indiana’s net metering law, now is the time to install solar panels on your home. Solar energy can cover your energy bills and save you from paying high electricity rates.
Best Solar Companies in Indiana
Many renewable energy companies want to sell you panels, batteries, and more. But how do you choose among the numerous options available? Look at these five great companies that sell solar energy in Indiana.
Sunrun
Sunrun is a major player in the residential solar, storage, and energy services industry. With over 285,000 solar installations across the U.S., Sunrun simplifies the process for customers by coordinating regulatory requirements and facilitating decision-making regarding solar offerings. Their extensive residential solar offerings, coupled with exceptional customer service, showcase Sunrun's commitment to supporting homeowners to transition towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar is a national chain that operates in Indiana. They are a dealer for SunPower, the most efficient panels on the market. They offer several financing options to find the best type for your budget. Blue Raven’s systems are tailored to your home, energy needs, and budget. Customers describe them as fast and professional with fair pricing.
Jefferson Electric
Jefferson Electric is a local dealer out of Indianapolis serving the entire state. They provide turnkey installation services for both residential and commercial installations. They also offer a wide range of products, including the Tesla solar roof and a phone app to monitor your solar system. Jefferson Electric will work to improve your electrical system, including installing a charger for electric vehicles.
Leading Solar Solutions
Leading Solar Solutions is a nationwide company that gets top-notch customer reviews. They are a fully electric company. In addition to solar, they will switch your lighting to LED, install an electric car charger, and perform an energy audit on your house. They offer a 25-year warranty on the panels but only a 5-year warranty on workmanship. For financing, they offer loans and a power purchasing agreement (PPA).
Bone Dry Solar
Bone Dry Solar is an Indianapolis-based company with an odd name because it started installing leak-proof roofing. They are family-owned and operated, and their customers give them tip-top ratings for sales, installation, maintenance, and service. Their warranties could be better, but you can upgrade to a better one. They pair with Service Finance Company to set up loans but don’t have leases or PPAs.
YellowLite
YellowLite is a regional company that has been around for a while and has completed over 1,000 solar power projects. They garnered a 4.5-star rating for top-rated certified professionals in Indiana on Angi. YellowLite offers loans or cash financing to help you find incentives and sell your solar energy credits. Beyond just working as a solar installer, they offer maintenance for the life of your products.
Vision Solar provides top-notch customer service, helping homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and their energy bills. The company has received positive reviews and has a strong reputation in the Florida solar industry.
Average Cost of Solar Panels and Installation in Indiana
As of September 2023, Indiana's average solar panel cost ranges from $15,810 to $21,390, with an average solar payback period of around 12.94 years, according to EnergySage. The solar payback period is when you recoup your initial investment through electricity savings from your solar panels. The average array can offset 66% to 89% of electricity use. In 20 years, you will save $13,231 to $17,901, which is about the price of your system.
Cost can vary based on factors such as the property’s specific location, the type of panels used, and the size of the solar energy system. A more extensive system generally costs more.
Indiana Solar Incentives, Tax Credits, and Solar Rebates
That price (above) differs from the amount you will pay for a solar installation. Homeowners get a federal solar tax credit for 30% of the system costs.
In Indiana, residential solar installations get a sales tax exemption. Additionally, a homeowner will not be charged property tax for the amount solar increases their home value.
There’s also a solar easement law. A solar easement is a property owner's right to obtain when they are given the legal authority to ensure that the construction on neighboring properties does not obstruct their access to sunlight. The law helps a homeowner draft independent solar easement contracts. These are agreements made directly between neighboring property owners.
The good news is that Indiana has a net metering program where you can sell excess solar power back to the utility company. Unfortunately, in 2022, Indiana further slashed the amount it will pay for net metering solar, so this benefit is smaller than before.
How to Choose the Right Indiana Solar Company
Choose a solar company that meets your specific needs about installing solar panels. Look for an established company with positive customer reviews and strong warranties, and explore financing options like in-house financing, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Ask about maintenance and support, including cleaning and maintenance plans and battery systems. Learning about these aspects of a solar installer can help ensure the purchase of reliable solar systems that fit your needs.
Let Us Help You Find the Right Solar Company
Selecting the right solar company might be a challenging process. It is best to investigate various firms to find the most suitable provider for your unique energy requirements. Trust in Solar America as your guide to connecting you with the top solar providers in Indiana. Contact us today at 1-855-999-6970, or get started here.