Indiana has nearly 200 sunny days per year, making it an excellent location for solar companies. However, coal accounted for 69% of Indiana’s net electricity generation in 2018. The state ranks eighth in coal production and second in coal consumption in the nation.
Renewables provide less than 7% of Indiana’s energy, with solar accounting for less than 1%. The Solar Energy Industries Association ranks Indiana 11th in the country in terms of growth over the next five years, showing a more hopeful and bright future for solar energy in Indiana.
Choosing the best solar installation company is your most crucial decision regarding your solar panel investment. It isn’t easy to find the best solar companies in Indiana.
How do you know if you’ve picked the best solar company? The solar industry, like any other, has its share of quick-talking salespeople, high-pressure tactics, and exaggerated performance claims.
There are many installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you sort through them by recommending some of the best solar companies in Indiana. So read on!
Table of contents
- What Qualities Should Indiana Homeowners Look For In A Solar Panel Installer?
- What Are The Best Solar Companies In Indiana?
- How Can You Save Money When Hiring An Indiana Solar Company?
- Should Indiana Homeowners Hire A Professional Solar Panel Installer Or Go For DIY?
- What Are The Environmental Consequences Of Going Solar In Indiana?
- FAQs About Solar Companies In Indiana
- Is solar energy in Indiana worth it?
- Conclusion
- References
What Qualities Should Indiana Homeowners Look For In A Solar Panel Installer?
Choosing a solar system installer in Indiana can be daunting, especially because there are so many to choose from.
There are a few things we recommend prioritizing below that will help you find the best installer for your needs in the area.
#1. Warranty Service
First and foremost, we recommend reviewing the warranty coverage included with your system, which comprises the product warranty, production guarantee, and labor warranty.
Because of the frequency of tornado activity in Indiana, solar systems are more vulnerable to damage. Because of Indiana’s low sunlight, higher-efficiency panels are more likely to offset your energy bills and save you money.
The workmanship warranty protects you against inexperienced companies that are more likely to make errors. It can also keep your home and system safe from problems caused by the installation, such as roof leaks, which are common in Indiana.
#2. Brands of Panels
Next, we recommend you investigate the available panel brands. Every installer offers a subset of panel options, and we recommend focusing on high-efficiency, tier-one monocrystalline panels.
High-efficiency panels are critical for saving money with your system in Indiana, where sunlight is around 80% of the national average. Brands that should meet your requirements include:
- SunPower (the industry’s highest efficiency panels)
- REC
- Silfab
- Canadian Solar
- Q-Cells
#3. Local Knowledge
Finally, we recommend you look for companies that have been in the industry for a long time, preferably in Indiana.
In general, prioritizing experience is a good idea. Choosing an experienced installer reduces the risk of mistakes during installation and helps avoid new companies that spring up to meet Indiana’s growing demand. This helps to ensure that your warranties are not voided if the installer goes out of business.
Local knowledge will also help you choose a company that understands Hoosier needs, such as high-efficiency panels and comprehensive warranty coverage.
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What Are The Best Solar Companies In Indiana?
The sheer number of options available can be overwhelming, so we’ve reviewed the companies and determined which offers the best overall value.
The following are the top recommendations for solar installation companies in Indiana:
- Jefferson Electric
- Photon Electric, LLC
- YellowLite
- Windfree Solar
- GRNE Solar
- Icon Solar
- Golden Solar
- MPI Solar
- Morton Solar
- Blue Raven Solar
- SunWind Power Systems
- AC/DC Solar
- Greenworks Energy
- Modern Mill Solar
- Inovateus Solar
#1. Jefferson Electric
Jefferson Electric provides full-service photovoltaic system design and installation for homes, businesses, churches, and other organizations. They are based in Indianapolis and serve customers throughout Indiana.
They offer turnkey installation services for many projects, from small residential to large-scale commercial installations.
NABCEP-certified members, a Master Electrician, a Licensed General Contractor, Factory Trained technicians, experienced solar technicians, and office support personnel comprise the JE team.
#2. Photon Electric, LLC
Since 2006, Photon Electric, LLC has provided electrical and solar products and services to happy customers in the Michiana area.
Change is unavoidable in any industry. One constant will be our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Call Photon Electric, LLC today for premium electrical services in Elkhart, Kosciusko, Lagrange, and St Joseph counties in Indiana and Cass and St Joseph counties in Michigan.
#3. YellowLite
YellowLite is a solar installation company that specializes in residential and commercial installations. The team specializes in photovoltaic systems that are grid-connected, stand-alone, or hybrid.
They can predict the return on your green energy investments and make customized recommendations with the help of their professional NABCEP-certified engineers.
#4. Windfree Solar
Windfree Solar consults on and installs custom solar projects throughout the Midwest. They have installed over 22 Megawatts of solar and wind renewable energy systems covering homes, businesses, schools, and municipalities since their inception in 2009.
Windfree has extensive experience with various projects, including custom roof and ground mount applications.
The team consults and collaborates regionally and globally with municipalities, universities, structural and electrical engineers, and architects to integrate alternative energy systems into environmentally friendly and economically driven businesses, homes, and communities.
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#5. GRNE Solar
GRNE Solar is an Illinois-based regional company that was founded in 2012. With a decade of industry experience, this installer knows how to correctly size systems and account for Indiana’s weather, such as above-average rainfall and tornadoes.
The equipment is covered by a 25-year warranty from GRNE, which can help keep your panels safe during the state’s extreme weather. Its ten-year labor warranty falls short of the industry standard, but the customer service that comes with it is excellent.
#6. Icon Solar
Icon Solar serves the entire state of Indiana by collaborating with local utilities and businesses to make solar more affordable and accessible to all. It also belongs to the Green Umbrella Regional Sustainability Alliance, demonstrating its dedication to clean energy.
These industry collaborations help distinguish Icon Solar from other, younger installers.
They clarify that the company is committed to renewable energy rather than just profits, which is unfortunate in a state like Indiana, where solar is becoming more popular.
#7. Golden Solar
Golden Solar has been at the forefront of this type of cleaner energy for over 15 years. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities to be more mindful of their energy consumption. Installing a solar panel system at your home is the first step toward ensuring your energy future.
This solar energy company provides many options for you to consider, including Roof mounts improving the aesthetics of your home while lowering or eliminating your electric bill.
Pole mounts are helpful in areas with a lot of snow or uneven terrain. Battery-powered systems augment your savings while increasing your energy independence. You’ll start saving money on your bill for whatever option you choose.
In addition, this is one of the best solar companies in Indiana.
#8. MPI Solar
MPI has been designing custom solar energy solutions for homes, businesses, schools, churches, and government facilities since 2008.
Indiana University, Hoosier Energy, Monroe County government, Monroe County Historical Society, Indiana Department of Corrections, Deerpark Management, and several Indiana homeowners are among the satisfied customers.
Solar professionals have the experience and expertise to design and build a high-quality solar energy system tailored to your specific needs, providing you with clean, renewable energy while saving you thousands of dollars over the long term.
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#9. Morton Solar
Morton Solar, LLC is a licensed electrical contractor specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. This company has been the regional leader in the renewable energy contracting industry since 2006.
Morton Solar has completed many residential, commercial, municipal, governmental, and utility projects.
It specializes in grid-connected photovoltaics, battery backup, and off-grid solar energy project design and installation. It has the commitment and experience to deliver a system that meets your expectations.
In addition, Morton Solar is one of the best solar companies in Indiana.
#10. Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven is one of the country’s most rapidly expanding solar companies. Founded in 2014 with three employees and $100,000 in revenue, the company has grown to 2,000 employees and $100 million in revenue.
SunPower Solar, the industry behemoth, acquired Blue Raven in the fall of 2021.
Blue Raven’s business model has remained unchanged since the acquisition. It’s no surprise that the company has received many awards and accolades, including Inc. 5000, Colorado Business magazine, and “Best of State” awards in Idaho and Utah, thanks to its in-house installers and unrivaled financing programs.
#11. SunWind Power Systems
Patricia and Jeremy Coxon founded SunWind Power Systems, Inc. in 2005 to provide solar, wind, and other renewable energy products and services to the people of Indiana and Kentucky.
The company’s primary goal is to impact our clients’ physical and financial environments positively. SunWind Power Systems is the leading Photovoltaic supplier and installer in Kentucky and southern Indiana.
Also, it is one of the best solar companies in Indiana.
#12. AC/DC Solar
AC/DC Solar has provided turnkey solar PV and energy storage solutions since 2013. The experts concentrate on creating custom systems for homes and businesses. They believe that renting electricity is no longer a viable option.
Furthermore, AC/DC Solar works smarter to reduce installation costs by utilizing our proprietary digital proposals, limiting our overhead, and job costing each job. Finally, you only pay for what we install.
In addition, this company is one of the best solar companies in Indiana.
#13. Greenworks Energy
Greenworks Energy is a full-service renewable energy solution provider. They specialize in the design, installation, and maintenance of solar PV systems for residential and small commercial (ranging from 2 to 20 kilowatts), as well as large commercial and municipal (ranging from 100 to 1000 kilowatts) (ranging from 20-500 kilowatts).
Greenworks Energy focuses on providing the right product to meet energy consumption needs and ongoing energy efficiency education to maximize return on investment.
The Greenworks Energy team, with over 40 years of energy storage business experience, emphasizes the ongoing need for research, innovation, and quality service in the clean tech industry.
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#14. Modern Mill Solar
Modern Mill Solar offers solar energy solutions for all of your needs. The goal is to assist customers in harnessing the sun’s limitless energy and achieving energy freedom by strategically managing demanding and growing energy needs.
Renewable, solar energy can benefit you and your home or business regardless of where you live.
Customers can benefit from a 30% federal income tax rebate, an Indiana property tax exemption, and a 50% onetime bonus depreciation.
Solar systems can add more value to a home or business than the system’s cost (based on NOI appraisal) and provide a fixed electric rate for 25 years.
In addition, Modern Mill Solar is one of the best solar companies in Indiana.
#15. Inovateus Solar
Inovateus Solar is the leading Midwest solar energy provider to businesses, municipalities, schools, and utilities, with over 515 MW delivered or under development.
The company’s commitment is to invest in its customers’ energy futures by providing affordable, dependable, and long-term energy solutions.
Also, the company is focused on meeting the growing demands of the energy marketplace through its development, design-build, and finance capabilities.
How Can You Save Money When Hiring An Indiana Solar Company?
Solar panels on the roof of a dark house
Before any Indiana incentives, the average property owner in Indiana pays approximately $25,460 for their solar system.
This average assumes you pay $2.68 per watt for photovoltaic (PV) equipment in the area and require a 9.5 kilowatt (kW) system to offset your electric bills, as do most Indiana residents.
As a result, most residents will look for ways to cut costs and increase long-term savings. There are several things you can do to accomplish this, including:
#1. Use Indiana’s Solar Incentive Programs
One of the best ways to cut the cost of going solar in Indiana is to apply for as many solar benefit programs as possible. Numerous benefits are available in Indiana, each of which can reduce your total installation cost by thousands of dollars.
#2. Purchase High-Efficiency Panels
As previously stated, Indiana residents experience approximately 186 sunny days per year, which pales compared to the national average of 205 sunny days.
Less sunlight means more cloudy days, reducing your panels’ energy production potential. Lower production rates imply lower energy savings.
As a result, investing in high-efficiency panels is another excellent way to reduce your long-term system costs and maximize savings. A high-efficiency panel brand will allow you to make the most of the sunlight that enters your home and offset more of your utility bills.
While a high-quality panel brand, such as SunPower, Tesla, or Panasonic, will typically cost more upfront, they will save you more in the long run in a state like Indiana.
#3. Obtain Several Quotes
Finally, we recommend getting several free quotes for your solar energy system. There are nearly 30 installers in Indiana alone, and each will charge a different price for their equipment, labor, and warranty coverage.
To get the best deal, shop a little and get a few free quotes to compare. It’s critical to compare estimates based on the quality of the equipment and service you receive rather than just the price.
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Should Indiana Homeowners Hire A Professional Solar Panel Installer Or Go For DIY?
It is usually appealing to install your solar power system yourself in Indiana. This is especially true given that the IN cost of going solar in the area is higher than average, and a DIY solar system installation is significantly less expensive.
Unfortunately, some significant drawbacks to doing it yourself make it a less appealing option in the area. These are some examples:
#1. The Efficiency of DIY Panels Is Lower
The first thing to remember before attempting a DIY installation is that the efficiency of the DIY panels available is significantly lower.
DIY companies like Renogy and Grape Solar typically have 15% and 20% efficiency ratings, whereas the top brands for professional installations can exceed 22%.
As previously stated, panel efficiency is critical in Indiana because sunlight is significantly lower than in most other states. Less sunlight means fewer opportunities to generate electricity and more periodic energy savings.
Higher efficiency panels may be more expensive, but they frequently pay for themselves in a state like Indiana.
#2. DIYers Are More Likely to Make Installation Mistakes.
Another thing to remember is that while installing solar isn’t difficult, doing it correctly is critical if you want to avoid causing damage to your home.
Roof penetrations are inherently dangerous, and attempting them yourself can quickly lead to problems.
Because of the above-average rainfall, roof leaks are already more common in Indiana than in most other states. When you consider possible problems with a DIY installation, you could look at costly mistakes.
Overall, we believe paying a professional to do the work is worthwhile to avoid costly damages to your home and system.
#3. DIY System Warranties Aren’t as Appealing.
Finally, warranty coverage on DIY PV panel kits is far less appealing than what you’d get from most Indiana professional installers.
DIY kits typically have a lifespan of five to fifteen years for equipment and ten to fifteen years for power generation. This pales compared to the industry standard of 25 years.
More importantly, when you DIY your solar, you get no labor warranty, whereas an experienced installer will provide between 15 and 25 years on average.
In a state like Indiana, where tornadoes are common and homeowners experience well above-average rainfall, warranty coverage provides peace of mind. It assists you in avoiding costly damage to your home.
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What Are The Environmental Consequences Of Going Solar In Indiana?
Installing solar panels can benefit the environment. Many homeowners may wonder how much they can help the environment by going solar. Keep in mind your energy usage. When you switch to solar energy, the greater your impact will be.
Solar panels are an excellent alternative to traditional energy sources because they emit no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when they generate electricity.
You can save about 90 pounds of CO2 per year. If you want to help the environment, you’ll recognize that there are many benefits to using solar energy that go beyond simply saving money on electricity. You can also contribute to environmental protection, which some argue is priceless.
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FAQs About Solar Companies In Indiana
Indiana’s average solar panel cost in December 2023 is $3.58/W. An average solar installation in Indiana costs between $15,215 and $20,585, with a gross price of $17,900. After deducting the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and other state and local solar incentives, the net cost of solar can be thousands of dollars lower.
The primary benefits of solar energy are that it can reduce or, sometimes, eliminate your electricity bills, increase the value of your home, and reduce your carbon footprint. The main drawbacks are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not see as many savings if you don’t use a lot of electricity, and it isn’t suitable for all roof types and locations.
The average payback period for solar panel installation is approximately 10.7 years, which varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives, and net metering programs.
Solar panels, on average, are 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
Is solar energy in Indiana worth it?
Yes, it is worth all the beautiful things you can think of, as it will typically result in cost savings. Your solar system will eventually pay for itself and continue to give you savings throughout its anticipated lifespan of over 25 years. Provided that it is scaled properly for your home and energy requirements.
Conclusion
Despite some unfavorable winter weather and a lack of specific state-level incentives, Indiana is on its way to becoming a viable home for solar power.
With solar costs falling across the country and electricity prices rising year after year, residents of Indiana should make the switch. However, getting solar in Indiana may not be as cost-effective as in other states.
Aside from the climate, Indiana has several solar incentives and pro-solar policies to maximize solar adoption and achieve a 100 percent renewable energy portfolio by 2050.
References
- www.energysage.com – Best solar companies in Indiana (2023 ranking)
- www.ecowatch.com – Best Solar Companies in Indiana (2023 Rankings & Reviews)
- solarmetric.com – The Best Solar Companies in Indiana 2023
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