Best 3 Solar Companies in Muncie, IN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Muncie

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

In Indiana, there are no electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, but cities and counties might adopt their own licensing programs. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Muncie

The type of solar panels you select decides how much power you can produce. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors provide these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Muncie. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Muncie

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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 car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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 recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each consultant about what's available, and get 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 Muncie.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.