Best 5 Solar Companies in Mishawaka, IN

With Mishawaka's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses hoping to harness the additional sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. If you live in one of the area's numerous old homes, you might doubt your electrical system would support solar panels. However, new innovations and savvy installers can help these homeowners access renewable, clean power. In this guide, we'll highlight Mishawaka's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Mishawaka solar companies.

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Mishawaka solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Mishawaka community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Mishawaka Homeowners?

The state of Indiana offers a range of solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Mishawaka

The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar system will ultimately operate. Here are some important factors to consider while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

In Indiana, there are no electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, though cities and counties might adopt their own licensing programs. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Mishawaka

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Mishawaka and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $20,500 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Mishawaka

Choosing the right financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each consultant about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

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