Best 5 Solar Companies in Portage, IN

Portage homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,000 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Portage's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Portage solar companies.

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Portage solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Portage community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Portage Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Portage

The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Consider all of these aspects in your company 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. Solar providers can also pursue accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Portage

The kind of solar panels you choose 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not every solar company offers these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can plan to spend about $20,500 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Portage. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Portage solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Portage

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 loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best 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 monthly installments while still benefiting from 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) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

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