Best 3 Solar Companies in Fort Wayne, IN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fort Wayne

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

Indiana does not issue electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, though 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), one of 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 Fort Wayne

The kind of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar provider offers these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Fort Wayne

Choosing the correct financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.