Best 5 Solar Companies in Merrillville, IN

Merrillville homeowners are privileged to live in ample sunlight, both to appreciate and use for energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel swamped searching for a great installer. In this guide, we'll showcase Merrillville's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Merrillville solar providers, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Experience and professional licensure: Each installer 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 Merrillville community for over 15 years.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Merrillville solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.
• Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Merrillville Homeowners?

Indiana homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, reimbursements and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Merrillville

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the provider that mounted them. 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 for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Merrillville

Your solar modules' model will impact how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar contractor includes these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Merrillville homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $20,500 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Merrillville

Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, cash payments and power purchase agreements (PPAs). 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A team member can help you determine the best option for your budget.

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

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

Sources

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