Best 5 Solar Companies in Elkhart, IN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Elkhart

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Here are some key items to remember while shopping for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

Indiana does not issue electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, but cities and counties might adopt their own licensing programs. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Elkhart

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these extras, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

Most Elkhart homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $20,500 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Elkhart

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Elkhart.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.