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4 best solar companies in Franklin, Indiana
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 4 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Franklin. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Franklin, Indiana, you'll need to find a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Franklin to help you find the right one.
Before hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Franklin or go with an established national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Even though solar panels require a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy allows Franklin homeowners to save $1,700 on average each year.
Many solar companies provide different products. Make sure to look at each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Franklin
Look for Franklin solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Blue Raven Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bone Dry Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Atomic Electric and Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Franklin?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Franklin, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy lets you charge electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar decreases your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar can help decrease your electricity bills. Solar panel systems use power to substitute for the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
Facts about Franklin
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Franklin?
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you opt for extras like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Franklin, solar panel installation costs an average of $25,125, according to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
How much can you save by going solar in Franklin?
While solar panel installation may be a hefty initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Franklin from going solar
In Franklin, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, the average payback period for solar installations in Franklin is 14 years.
- Annual solar savings in Franklin: Based on numbers that leverage data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy, Franklin homeowners save around $1,688 per year with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After fully switching to solar power, you can expect to save around $25,779 over 25 years, according to our calculations from NASA and the EIA.
Energy savings in Franklin from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 89 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2225 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
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What solar incentives are available in Franklin?
There are multiple solar incentives open to homeowners in Franklin. Certain programs cover all Indiana residents, while others are dependent on your municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Indiana residents, according to DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption | Solar energy systems used for heating or cooling: out-of-pocket expenditures by the owner for the components and labor Wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, solar thermal, solar PV, and other solar energy systems: the assessed value of the system |
Rebate Program RushShelby Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500 Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300-$1,500 Heat Pump/Hybrid Water Heater: $500 Single Speed Compressor: $800 Dual/Variable Speed Compressor: $750 - $1,500 HVAC Tune-Up: 50% of cost Lighting: Varies |
Rebate Program Noble REMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Incentives | Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500 Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250 Air-Source Heat Pump: $250-$750 Ground Source Heat Pump: $1500 Heat Pump Water Heater: $400 |
Rebate Program Johnson County REMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Air Source Heat Pumps: $750/unit - $1,500/unit Geothermal Heat Pumps: $1,500/unit Heat Pump Water Heater: $500/unit Mini-Split ductless Heat Pump: $750/unit - $1500/unit Lighting: Instant rebates through online lighting store (small businesses, farms, or workshops) |
Feed-in Tariff NIPSCO - Feed-In Tariff | Wind 3 - 10 kW: $0.23 - $0.25/kWh Wind 10 kW-200 kW: $0.15 - $0.138/kWh Solar 5 kW - 10 kW: $0.17 - $0.1564/kWh Solar 10 - 200 kW: $0.15/kWh - $0.138/kWh Biomass 100kW - 1 MW: $0.0918/kWh |
Rebate Program Duke Energy - Residential and Builder Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | HVAC Install (Heat Pumps, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Central Air Conditioners): $300 - $400/unit with additional $125 if installed along with a smart thermostat Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250/unit Duct Sealing: $100/unit Variable Speed Pool Pump: $300 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Franklin solar installer?
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, evaluate these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could impact your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To conserve excess power, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical in cloudy conditions and helps to mitigate power loss. However, using battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each varying in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors affect pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and the amount of roof space you'll need.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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