Best 4 Solar Companies in West Lafayette, IN

With West Lafayette's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $940 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll show you West Lafayette's top solar companies and give valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar installers near West Lafayette, focusing on the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: 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 West Lafayette community for a decade or longer.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most West Lafayette solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to West Lafayette Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in West Lafayette

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often depend on which company 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 local communities might adopt their own licensing programs. Solar providers can also obtain certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. 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 West Lafayette

Your solar panels' type will impact how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in West Lafayette

Choosing the correct financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $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 determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

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

Sources

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