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Best Solar Companies in Indianapolis, Indiana

We compared 7 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • Good value
      Project Solar
      4.8(77)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Indianapolis, Indiana

      Our top solar company picks for Indianapolis

      1. Best overall: Blue Raven Solar
      2. Our pick for good value: Project Solar
      3. Great for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Indianapolis based on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best Indianapolis solar companies

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Indianapolis residents’ energy needs.

      Blue Raven Solar

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

      Blue Raven Solar stands out for its exceptional service, equipment and value. We've talked to more than 200 verified customers across the country over a recent two-year period — 94% were satisfied with their installation and setup, and 92% were satisfied with the technology.

      • “Blue Raven is a great company to work with, and their customer service has been outstanding. The detailed explanation during the consultation was greatly appreciated and the timing to complete all of the required deliverables prior to installation was efficient despite the holiday season. The installation crew were timely, extremely professional, and equally knowledgeable of the system, providing additional information with no hesitation. I would highly recommend Blue Raven to anyone considering a solar system for their home.” — Tyree in Indianapolis
      • “They were fast, polite, and picked up after themselves., and everything went well. Show up on time and very informative, went over the system after they were done, put everything back where it belong. 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
      • “They also explain how to use the system that was very clear about it and it also said if we have any problems, they will come out and guide us through to get through the situation. Whatever that might be after the job was done. They did a great job cleaning up, and they seem to be very respectable.” — Derrick in Indianapolis

      Blue Raven Solar gets positive feedback from most customers. However, we have heard some complaints about installation issues, including delays in turning on the system, from reviewers.

      Blue Raven Solar installs solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, storage batteries and microinverters to maximize energy production. It provides free consultations and custom solar panel systems tailored to your home's energy consumption and roof specifications.

      • Services: The company handles your whole installation, from designing the system, obtaining permits and connecting it to the grid. Monitoring to track your system's performance and maintenance or repair services are available as needed.
      • Warranty information: All systems have a 25-year panel guarantee and a two-year production guarantee. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer.
      • Payment options: You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. There’s also a unique in-house payment option with no upfront costs, BluePower Plus+, which combines the best aspects of a solar lease with the flexibility of system ownership.

      Pros

      • Efficient installation process
      • Zero-down financing
      • Production guarantee
      • Excellent customer service

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication
      Our pick for good value

      Project Solar

      4.8
      77 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2016

      We’ve talked to more than 50 Project Solar customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, 94% were satisfied with the price. Satisfaction ratings on customer service and technology were also above industry averages.

      Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      • “I found Project Solar while searching online for an American-made product that was affordable. I appreciated the easy sign-up process and was able to get my questions answered when I called. I opted for a portable solar unit to keep charged at home for potential power outages. I'm very satisfied with their service and would definitely recommend them.” — John in Fort Wayne

      The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar photovoltaic (PV) panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Silfab and Enphase.

      • Services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
      • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

      Pros

      • Easy sign-up process
      • High-quality equipment
      • Great value

      Cons

      • Occasional miscommunications
      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      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 and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      • “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. The panels came from RICH SOLAR, which is an excellent company. The EcoFlow is extremely good. The system works well. I'm not running the bill up. I had to do an update on the software to get it to do what it needed to do and keep charging right. But that was easy once I hooked it to the Wi-Fi. They had full instructions.” — Jim in Greenwood

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. They don't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      How we chose the best solar companies in Indianapolis

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Indianapolis, Indiana, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Indianapolis solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to dozens of Hoosiers who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Indianapolis residents should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $37,654 in Indianapolis.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Indianapolis may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Marion County or Indiana government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Indianapolis

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,850 to $31,000 in Indiana. Prices in Indianapolis are comparable, ranging from $10,850 to $31,000.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Indianapolis’s net metering program.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Indianapolis household needs a system with a capacity of 11.01 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Indianapolis

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in Indianapolis?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Indiana if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Indianapolis homeowners with solar panels can avoid $56,472 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      One resident, Jerry in Indianapolis, was skeptical about solar at first. Now, they see significant savings in the summer, with bills under $20 per month. Despite lower performance during winter months (seasonal sun exposure impacts its efficiency), Jerry seems overall satisfied with their solar panel installation.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 12 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

      Potential roof problems

      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 is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Indianapolis

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Indiana have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: You can confirm your contractor's license through the state's license verification tool. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Going solar in Marion County

      People have had mixed experiences with solar companies. In the best-case scenario, it’s easy to make the switch, and you’re happy with the system’s performance. In the worst-case scenario, you end up paying thousands for mid-tier solar equipment from a company with poor customer service and no follow-up or support.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Indiana ranked last in 2024

      Residential solar panel incentives in Indianapolis

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Indiana to maximize savings.

      For instance, Indiana's solar property tax exemption means that — for tax purposes — the addition of a solar energy system won't result in an increase in your property's assessed value. Essentially, your property tax bill won't go up because your solar panels raise your home’s market value.

      Indianapolis solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      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 $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Can my HOA stop me from getting solar panels?

      No. Homeowners associations (HOAs) cannot prohibit you from installing solar panels, per House Bill 1196.

      » GREENEST STATES: Indiana ranked 47th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Indianapolis?

      Net metering lets you send excess power that your solar panels generate into your local power grid. In return, you can earn credits on future utility bills. These credits can then offset your bill when your solar panels don't produce as much energy, like on cloudy days or during Indianapolis’s long, dark winters. However, a 2022 state policy change ended net metering, reducing the benefit of residential solar installations for many.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Indianapolis?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Indianapolis. Companies may claim you can get solar panels for “free” or with little to no upfront cost. In reality, solar panels rarely come entirely free. These offers often involve hidden fees or long-term leases with escalating payments.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Indianapolis

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Indianapolis 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: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Blue Raven Solar
      2. Project Solar
      3. 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 reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. Indy.gov, "Getting Started with Solar." Accessed Nov. 22, 2024.
        2. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Indiana, 2024." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Indiana Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. DSIRE, "Indiana Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        5. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Indiana." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        6. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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