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Best 5 Solar Companies in Evansville, IN

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Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

With Evansville's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Evansville's best solar companies and learn vital decision-making strategies on this page.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Most Reputable
4.4
  • Offers high-efficiency panels and storage options
  • Provides unique in-house financing options
  • Recognized as one of the most reputable solar companies

Top Evansville Solar Companies

Ohio Valley Solar Logo

Ohio Valley Solar

4.4/5
Based on 29 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConsultationPanel InstallationCleaning And MaintenanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemBattery StorageOff-Grid Solar Systems

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
  • Reliable customer support
7765 Park Pl Dr Unit A, Newburgh, IN 812-853-9334 ohiovalleysolar.com
D&D Electric Logo

D&D Electric

4.7/5
Based on 6 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Cleaning And MaintenanceSkilled RepairsPanel Installation

Highlights

  • Family-operated business
  • Free quotes
  • Informative resources
1380 Blue Hole Rd, Harrisburg, IL 618-294-8206 ddelectricllc.net
Blue River Solar Logo

Blue River Solar

4.7/5
Based on 5 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationOff-Grid Solar SystemsGrid-Tied Solar SystemBattery Storage

Highlights

  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
  • Free quotes
2542 N, In-66, Milltown, IN 812-670-5090 blueriversolar.com
StraightUp Solar Logo

StraightUp Solar

4.7/5
Based on 5 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Financing AssistancePanel InstallationConsultationCleaning And MaintenanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemBattery Storage

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Informative resources
11580 Il-37, Marion, IL 618-492-2663 straightupsolar.com

More Local Solar Companies

AES Solar

User Reviews: 4.5/5 

1804 Supply Rd
Carterville, IL 62918

Purcell Electric Company Inc

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

106 W Main St #1518
Salem, IL 62881

Sonne Energy Solutions, LLC

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

114 E Walnut St
Teutopolis, IL 62467

Daily Green Power - Solar Panel Installation Company

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1105 Julianna Ct Suite 6
Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Solar by Ecos

User Reviews: 4.7/5 

1403 Rowan St
Louisville, KY 40203

MPI Solar

User Reviews: 4.6/5 

1750 W 17th St
Bloomington, IN 47404

Tick Tock Energy, Inc.

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

800 E Fayette Ave
Effingham, IL 62401

Atomic Electric and Solar

User Reviews: 4.4/5 

1401 S Madison St
Bloomington, IN 47403

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed a multitude of Evansville solar companies, using the following criteria to select the best:

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Facts about Evansville
Average Max Temp:65°F
Solar Payback Period:10.4 years
Average Daily Sunlight:55%
Homes Powered by Solar:1,189
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,782
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

  • Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
  • Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that allow you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
  • Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Evansville Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: in.gov

Incentive Amount:

Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor
Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: nobleremc.com

Incentive Amount:

Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500
Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250
Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$750
Ground Source Heat Pump: $1500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $400

Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff

Website: nipsco.com

Incentive Amount:

Wind 3 - 10 kW: $0.23 - $0.25/kWh
Wind 10 kW-200 kW: $0.15 - $0.138/kWh
Solar 5 kW - 10 kW: $0.17 - $0.1564/kWh
Solar 10 - 200 kW: $0.15/kWh - $0.138/kWh
Biomass 100kW - 1 MW: $0.0918/kWh

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Evansville

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each of these aspects in your contractor search.

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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Evansville

Your solar modules' model will affect how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Evansville and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,500 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,083
Solar Polycrystalline$844
Thin-Film$494
Solar Battery$693
Solar Home EV Charger$2,598

Financing Solar Energy in Evansville

Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating 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 particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Solar System CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW2.1 years
2 kW4.1 years
5 kW10.4 years
10 kW20.7 years

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Evansville

How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?

Most Evansville homeowners spend about $1,782 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $1,185.78 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.

Is solar energy readily available in Evansville?

Yes, solar energy is gaining popularity in Evansville. Some homes already benefit from solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 3600 jobs and counting.

Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?

Yes, a solar PV system will boost your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, for every dollar you save on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.

What can I do to assess my home's solar potential?

To determine your home's solar readiness, there's no substitute for a comprehensive quote from a local solar contractor. However, you can use the PVWatts tool for a simple solar viability prediction based on public data, including system size, tree cover, local weather and topography, and panel efficiency.

Is solar installation a fast job?

There's no universal answer for how long a solar project might take. Ultimately, it depends on system size, panel style, the necessary prework, the permitting and inspection process, and local weather. Many homeowners can be solar-ready within two months from their initial estimate visit.

How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Evansville?

Most Evansville homeowners pay back a solar loan in 12.1 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.

Should I get quotes from multiple Evansville solar companies?

Yes, we recommend asking for free solar quotes from three or more companies. You should thoroughly read each quote and compare financing options, prework scope and costs, labor fees, warranty details and equipment costs. Ensure each quote includes an itemized financial plan and includes your expected payback period.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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