Best 5 Solar Companies in Indianapolis, IN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Indianapolis

The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Consider each of these aspects in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

In Indiana, there are no electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, but localities 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 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 Indianapolis

The style of solar panels you select determines how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. 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 battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Most Indianapolis homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost 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 Indianapolis

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, cash payments, and leases. We recommend paying with cash or using 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

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