Best 5 Solar Companies in Hammond, IN

With Hammond's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel burnt out searching for a great provider. Discover Hammond's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Hammond solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the finest:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Hammond solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Hammond community for a decade or longer.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your periodic electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Hammond Homeowners?

Indiana agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hammond

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately function. Consider all of these elements in your company search.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 Hammond

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 produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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.

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

Most Hammond homeowners choose solar systems sized 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 Hammond

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy