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Best Solar Companies in Indiana

We compared 55 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(258)
    • Green Home Systems
      2.9(53)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      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. Read our full methodology for all the details. 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.

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Blue Raven Solar
      2. Green Home Systems
      3. ShopSolar
      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
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      Compare the best solar companies in Indiana

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      The 3 best solar companies reviewed

      Blue Raven Solar

      4.7
      258 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease, PPA
      Warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      Blue Raven Solar has an unusual financing option. BluePower Plus+ combines aspects of a solar lease (or PPA) with the flexibility of solar panel ownership. It’s a smart deal to power your home with clean energy while saving on utility costs. We also like that Blue Raven installs sleek, low-profile solar systems designed to maximize energy production.

      Blue Raven also has excellent reviews from customers across Indiana. Reps are true to their promises and very professional, according to Joy in Fort Wayne.

      Tyree in Indianapolis said he would recommend Blue Raven to anyone considering a residential solar system. “The installation crew were timely, extremely professional, and equally knowledgeable of the system, providing additional information with no hesitation,” Tyree said.

      Another, Laura in Camby, liked that reps kept her “in the loop every step of the way.” Plus, the crew “arrived during the time the installers were supposed to be here and worked very efficiently. They explained and answered my questions thoroughly,” she said.

      Blue Raven benefits

      • Sleek, durable systems
      • $0 down financing options
      • Tier 1 solar equipment
      • Warranty on all installations

      Blue Raven Solar provides a standard 25-year warranty. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. The company offers the FranklinWH aPower battery (12-year warranty), SunPower SunVault (10-year warranty), Enphase IQ Battery 5P (15-year warranty) and Tesla Powerwall 2 (10-year warranty).

      • Cash: You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system.
      • 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.

      Blue Raven gets excellent reviews from Indiana customers. However, some noted specific aspects that could be perfected. For example, Lloyd in Fort Wayne said that the installation crew was top-notch, but ongoing company communications left something to be desired.

      Another customer, Kelly in Zionsville, was happy overall with the installation. The crew was “very thorough cleaning inside,” they said, “but there was room for improvement cleaning outside in the garage and a couple larger scraps in the yard.” People have different thresholds for messes, though. Many customers report Blue Raven crews are quite clean and tidy.

      Our pick for easy process

      Green Home Systems

      2.9
      53 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20%
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2017

      Green Home Systems makes it quick and easy for homeowners to switch to solar. “The process from the signup to the installation to getting it kicked off was great,” Alann in Hanover told us. “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.”

      After the installation was complete, Alann’s system has been working fine, and they haven’t paid an electric bill since.

      We also like that Green Home Systems offers a wide range of solar energy solutions, from panels and inverters to batteries and additional accessories, from brands we trust, including Panasonic, Qcells and Enphase. You can also get Generac backup generators, IronRidge racking systems and Span Smart electrical panels.

      Green Home Systems benefits

      • PERC (passivated emitter rear cell) technology
      • Financing available
      • Energy storage options
      • 25-year guarantee

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

      • Cash: You can pay upfront, which gives you immediate ownership and potentially better long-term savings on electricity costs.
      • Loan: You can finance through a solar loan with annual percentage rates (APRs) starting at 0.99% (on approved credit).

      Green Home Systems might not be the best fit if you’re on a tight deadline. Some customers have told us about installation delays.

      For example, Alann’s installation started “right at the cusp of Covid, and there were all kinds of shortages going on. That took a little while to get all the products in stock. Some of them arrived broken, so they had to order more. There was a little bit of lag time in that.” Alann also said it’s hard to expand your system once installation is complete.

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. It’s a good place to find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      The online company stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. It also sells custom solar kits, and orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      We also like that ShopSolar receives high ratings from existing customers. “They've been very helpful and supportive, and they've done everything they said they were gonna do,” Gary in Danville told us. When he bought a backup battery that went on sale the next week, “they were very happy to give me the sale price even though I purchased it a week prior,” he said.

      Another customer, Rebecca in Shipshewana, was just starting out with solar. After some back and forth, she said, “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. I appreciate the service that I got from them.”

      ShopSolar benefits

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

      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.

      • 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. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment, but ShopSolarKits generally resolved these issues with refunds or replacements.

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services, so 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, who is 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

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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. Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country — here’s what to expect and what to look out for.

        Key insights

        • A professional solar panel installation can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more.
        • The federal solar tax credit is the most significant way to lower the cost of buying solar panels. You won’t be eligible if you lease your equipment.
        • The best solar energy companies have a few things in common: fantastic reviews, transparent pricing, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties.

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

        For a professional residential installation, the average solar panel costs in Indiana are comparable to the national average (around $20,000). The size of your system plays a big factor in how much it costs overall. On the higher end, Rob in Fort Wayne told us his system cost $62,000.

        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.

        If you’re considering a solar loan or lease, always ask:

        • Is there a down payment?
        • How much will I pay per month?
        • Will my monthly payments increase, and if so, by how much?
        • Do you put a lien on my house?

        » COMPARE: Solar costs in other states

        What solar incentives are available in Indiana?

        The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant way to make installing panels more affordable. The ITC is a federal income tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system, including equipment, labor and permits. It’s only helpful if you owe taxes in the year your solar panel becomes operational.

        The federal solar investment tax credit is not a rebate or a refund. Any used portion rolls over into the next tax year.

        Indiana homeowners can also take advantage of a renewable energy property tax exemption. The exemption excludes the value solar panels add to your home for purposes of calculating taxes.

        » EXPLORE: Indiana solar incentives

        Net metering in Indiana

        Net metering lets Indiana solar panel owners get credit on their utility bills for surplus electricity sent back to the grid.

        • How it works: Power produced by your solar system is first used to meet your home’s energy needs. Any extra electricity is sent to the utility grid and offsets power you pull from the grid to meet your energy demand. The rate you receive for excess energy is less than what you pay per unit if you pull from the grid, but it still helps lower your costs and make solar financially viable.
        • Changes to the policy: In 2017, Indiana passed a law to phase out net metering by 2047. So new solar customers now get a lower bill credit rate through an Excess Distributed Generation program instead of full net metering.

        With net metering expiring, there are worries about impacts to Indiana rooftop solar accessibility and affordability going forward.

        How do I choose a solar company in Indiana?

        The best solar energy companies have a few things in common: experience, licensing and certifications, solid warranties and more. Here are a few things to look for when comparing solar panel installers.

        • Long time in business: Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Indiana. Local knowledge is valuable in navigating state-specific regulations and incentives.
        • Good local reviews: Research the company's track record and reputation. Look for positive customer reviews, ratings and testimonials.
        • Free consultations: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.
        • Comprehensive service: Choose a company that provides the services and products you want, like battery storage, electric vehicle chargers or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also a smart idea to ask about critter guards.
        • Solid warranty: A reputable company should offer comprehensive warranties to protect your investment. Look for warranties that last at least 10 to 25 years.
        • Licensed, insured and certified: Ensure the company is appropriately licensed, insured and has NABCEP-certified installers. This protects you and shows the employees take their business seriously.
        • Transparent terms: Carefully review proposals and financials carefully, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask.
        • Ongoing support: Quality solar panels last at least 25 to 30 years, so you want a company that’s still around if your system needs service after installation. Some of the newer, less reputable solar companies might not exist next year. Honest communication is essential before, during and after the installation process.

        » MORE: Tips for getting the best solar quotes

        Are solar panels worth it in Indiana?

        Solar panels are not as widespread in Indiana as in some other states. However, with electricity costs continuing to rise, more Indiana homeowners find solar power is financially worth it in the long run.

        For example, Emily in McCordsville told us she was curious but not “completely sold” on solar. “After saying yes and having it for a week, it’s exciting to check the meter and the app to see not only am I using solar but I am selling back to the grid,” she said.

        Others highlight that installing solar panels and batteries provides energy independence. This means relying less on the traditional electric grid.

        In general, Hoosiers 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.

        » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

        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: How we picked the best solar companies in Indiana

        The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with 31 popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Indiana. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

        Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
        We analyzed verified customer reviews and ratings to gauge real-world satisfaction.

        Overall reputation: 20%
        We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

        Warranties: 20%
        A long warranty is important. We compared both product and craftsmanship warranties available from our top picks. All of our top picks have warranties of at least 25 years.

        Equipment selection: 10%
        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.

        Monitoring and maintenance: 10%
        We gave preference to companies that offer real-time monitoring, regular maintenance services and solid after-sales support.

        To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in Indiana:

        • Our pick for customer support: SunPower
        • Our pick for an easy process: Green Home Systems
        • Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar
        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 Solar Programs.” Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, “Indiana solar panels: local pricing and installation data.” Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
        3. Indiana General Assembly, “House Bill 1196.” Accessed Jan. 17, 2024. 
        4. Indiana Office of Energy Development, “Fuel Facts: Solar Energy.” Accessed Jan. 17, 2024. 
        5. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
        6. Solar Energy Industries Association, “Indiana Solar.” Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.

        Not sure how to choose?

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