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4 best solar companies in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Lafayette, Indiana requires you to find a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Lafayette to help you hire the perfect installer.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Lafayette or opt for a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Although solar panels need a large initial investment, you can cut your energy bills in the long term by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy enables Lafayette homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,600.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Lafayette
Look for Lafayette solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
Blue Raven Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Alternatives Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Bone Dry Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Lafayette?
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Lafayette, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can fuel electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the best method to guarantee your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would instead be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that generating electricity is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: You can lower your energy bills by using solar energy. Power from solar panels takes the place of the electricity purchased from utility companies.
Facts about Lafayette
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 Lafayette?
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price 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 direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you opt for add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Per statistics from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean cost to install solar panels in Lafayette is $25,470.
How much can you save by going solar in Lafayette?
Putting in solar panels requires sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Money savings in Lafayette from going solar
In Lafayette, you can expect to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Lafayette's standard solar payback period is 15 years.
- Annual solar savings in Lafayette: Lafayette homeowners can anticipate saving around $1,621 per year on average by moving to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving approximately $23,870 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Lafayette from going solar
Adopting solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 88 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Lafayette?
Homeowners in Lafayette can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available across the state for all Indiana residents, and others are based on your utility company, municipality and city.
Available solar incentives to Indiana homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| 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 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 Wabash Valley Power Association (28 Member Cooperatives) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program | Dual Fuel Heat Pump: $500 Variable Speed Pool Pump: $250 Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750 Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,500 Heat Pump Water Heater: $400/unit HVAC: Varies depending on ZIP code. See program website |
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 |
Rebate Program Tipmont REMC - Energy Efficiency Equipment Rebate Program | Sense Home Energy Monitor: $75 Nest Thermostat: up to $50 Electric Water Heater: $50 - $100 |
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 Lafayette solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Required permits and local or state laws could impact your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rainfall and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A number of solar panel systems include a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be vital for ensuring continuous power in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could increase the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
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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