Best 5 Solar Companies in Plainfield, IN

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Plainfield

The price and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

Indiana does not issue electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, but cities and counties might adopt their own licensing programs. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among 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 Plainfield

The kind of solar panels you select decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not every solar provider offers these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Plainfield and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,500 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Plainfield

Choosing the correct financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in specific circumstances. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

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.