Best Solar Companies in Indiana

We compared 3 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • Green Home Systems
      3.1(54)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Indiana

    To choose the best solar companies in Indiana, we compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations. 

    Our top solar company picks

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    The best solar companies, reviewed

    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    Blue Raven Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Workmanship warranty
    10 years
    Year founded
    2014

    Blue Raven Solar stands out for its exceptional service, equipment and value. We’ve talked to more than 200 Blue Raven customers nationwide: 95% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the price.

    • “They were fast, polite, and picked up after themselves. … Very accurate on their measurements on the roof. Very professional. Would definitely recommend. The sales staff was really informative and excellent on explaining the payout and how everything works.” — Barry in Indianapolis
    • “Great crew, they were very nice and worked efficiently. Highly recommend Blue Raven Solar. Very knowledgeable and explained in great detail how system works and next steps in the process. The team of installers worked through the rain to get installation done, and our roof is about 30’ to 40’ with a steep pitch.” — Julie in Ossian

    Lloyd in Fort Wayne had some complaints about installation delays and communication issues. “I think it took about 4-5 months before they finally came to install the system,” Lloyd told us. On the bright side, the crew was “very professional and courteous. They finished the job quickly and cleaned up everything” once they did arrive.

    Blue Raven installs the latest solar panel technology, including black-on-black, monocrystalline silicon solar panels, Enphase microinverters and smart thermostats. The company is currently available in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.

    Blue Raven Solar services

    • Consulting and design
    • Professional installations
    • Financing solutions
    • System monitoring

    Blue Raven installations come with a standard 25-year manufacturer and 10-year workmanship warranty plus a roof penetration warranty. Storage battery warranties range 10 to 15 years, depending on the manufacturer. Power production is guaranteed for two years.

    You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. Blue Raven also has some unique in-house payment options:

    • BluePower: This fixed monthly payment option lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
    • BluePower Plus+: Eligible customers can pay $0 upfront, get 18 months of free solar power and make fixed monthly payments after that. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

    Pros

    • Sleek, durable systems
    • $0 down financing options
    • High-efficiency solar equipment
    • Roof penetration warranty

    Cons

    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some complaints about miscommunication
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation
    Our pick for long-term savings
    Green Home Systems
    Max. panel efficiency
    20%
    Workmanship warranty
    25 years
    Year founded
    2017

    With a wide range of solar energy solutions, Green Home Systems makes it quick and easy for homeowners to switch to solar. Happy customers tell us about smooth installations and significant savings on their electric bills.

    • “The process from the signup to the installation to getting it kicked off was great. Green Home Systems was extremely prompt. They sent me a proposal by email and I could click on links that walked me through the different configurations that would get me the kilowatt per hour that was my average. Once I agreed, they started the installation. … The system works fine. I haven't had an electric bill since.” — Alann in Hanover

    Reps can be difficult to contact after the installation is complete. For example, Alann in Hanover wanted to add to his system when new solar storage batteries became available. “I waited but I'm still waiting,” Alann told us.

    Green Home Systems uses solar panels, inverters, batteries and additional accessories from brands we trust, like Panasonic, Qcells and Enphase. You can also get Generac backup generators, IronRidge racking systems and Span Smart electrical panels.

    Green Home Systems services

    • Professional solar installations
    • Energy storage options
    • Monitoring app
    • Financing available

    Green Home Systems provides a 25-year warranty on solar panels and inverters. Batteries come with a 10-year warranty.

    • Cash: You can pay for the system in full upfront.
    • Loan: You can finance through a solar loan with annual percentage rates (APRs) starting at 0.99% (on approved credit).

    Pros

    • Lower monthly electrical cost
    • 25-year guarantee
    • Financing available
    • Energy storage options

    Cons

    • Some communication issues
    • Possible delays or rescheduling
    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    ShopSolar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Workmanship warranty
    Varies
    Year founded
    2018

    ShopSolar specializes in do-it-yourself-friendly solar solutions, including custom solar kits with all the equipment you need for self-installation. The do-it-yourself approach can cost thousands less than typical solar installs, and you can still get quality gear.

    • “We wanted to get something to start out to get us comfortable with it. And this system is perfect. We got all of our parts. … Everything works great. I am very satisfied. We plan on getting more stuff to be able to make our system run our entire camper instead of just part of it. If we were to get more, we would get stuff through ShopSolarKits.” — Rebecca in Shipshewana
    • “ShopSolar was a little higher than if I went straight to EcoFlow. But when I went back to them and told them they were $800 higher, they lowered the price. The delivery was great. … They had full instructions.” — Jim in Greenwood

    It’s best to have some experience with solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly. “Buying the product was very easy to do. But the diagram they submitted was lacking,” according to John in Berne, a licensed electrician by trade. He did eventually get the system to run, he said: “The product is reliable, but it doesn't perform as advertised.”

    » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

    ShopSolar is an online retailer selling custom solar kits and equipment like generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

    ShopSolar products

    • New and used solar panels
    • Solar storage batteries
    • Inverters
    • Charge controllers
    • Cabling and hardware
    • Mounts and racks

    ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

    You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

    • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
    • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Annual percentage rates (APRs) range from 0% to 36%.

    Pros

    • Free shipping
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support

    Cons

    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

    Solar Companies in Indiana Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      Indiana solar panel buyers guide

      If you've been thinking about going solar in Indiana but aren’t sure where to start, ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal. We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018, including dozens in Indiana. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for.

      Key insights

      A typical solar panel installation costs $34,131 in Indiana.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for many homeowners buying solar panels in Indiana.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for solar reps who use pushy sales tactics — you could end up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Jump to insight

      How much does it cost to install solar panels in Indiana?

      Average solar panel costs in Indiana typically range between $10,850 and $31,000. On the high end, Rob in Fort Wayne paid $62,000 for a system.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Indiana

      How can I pay for solar energy?

      There are a few ways to pay for a residential solar energy system in Indiana. You have the option to pay the full cost upfront, but many people choose to finance their system through a solar loan.

      Leasing is cheaper upfront, but you’ll be disqualified from some of the best financial incentives, such as the 30% federal solar investment tax credit. It could also (potentially) make it harder to sell your house.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      What solar incentives are available in Indiana?

      You can take advantage of several solar incentives in Indiana, including a property tax exemption and feed-in tariffs. The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the most significant financial incentive for a lot of homeowners. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system, including labor.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $2,000. The ITC is a nonrefundable credit, meaning you can only claim up to the amount of taxes you owe. However, the credit rolls over to the next tax year if you don’t use the full amount.

      Are solar panels worth it in Indiana?

      With electricity costs continuing to rise, more Hoosiers are saying solar is worth it in the long run. Some like that solar energy gives them more energy independence, but it comes down to the savings for most. On average, Indiana homeowners with solar panels can avoid $56,472 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      In general, people who were dissatisfied after getting solar had issues with poor equipment or installation services. As with any major home upgrade, it's critical to pick a reputable company. Otherwise, your solar panels may not seem worth the money spent.

      In the best-case scenario, though, going solar saves money. Even if you don’t completely eliminate your electric bill, you’ll likely be paying much less than you would for traditional utility bills. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 12 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      Should you replace your roof before going solar?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      What to look for in a solar company in Indiana

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.

      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring red flags: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple solar quotes to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others (this may indicate lower quality).
      • Ask questions: Consider whether you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in most parts of Indiana. Make sure you understand everything about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services.

      » MORE Best solar companies in Indianapolis

      FAQ

      Can I get free solar panels in Indiana?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Indiana. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process.

      A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panel installations?

      Indiana passed a law in 2022 that made it more difficult for homeowners associations (HOAs) to block the installation of solar panels. But it’s not impossible — House Bill 1196 says that HOAs can require “certain screening and preapproval procedures” on solar panels, and HOAs can prohibit solar energy systems under some circumstances.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Indiana customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%

      We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Indiana. Solar is a booming industry, and there are some sketchy installers out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Our goal is to highlight solar companies that are best equipped to meet most Hoosiers’s needs. The team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      • Blue Raven Solar
      • Green Home Systems
      • ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "Indiana Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Indiana." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Indiana Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Indiana, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
        7. Indiana Office of Energy Development, “Fuel Facts: Solar Energy.” Accessed Sept. 27, 2024.
        8. NIPSCO, “Excess Distributed Generation Tariff.” Accessed Sept. 26, 2024.
        9. Indiana General Assembly, “House Bill 1196.” Accessed Sept. 27, 2024.

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