Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in La Porte, Indiana, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the ideal team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar installers in La Porte.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for you. You can choose a local La Porte solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that changing to solar energy enables La Porte homeowners to save an average of $1,700 every year.
Solar companies do not all offer the same services and products. You should assess different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for La Porte solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Regions with inconsistent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like La Porte, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select extras like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in La Porte is $25,814.
While solar panel installation can be a sizable initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
After fully switching to solar power, La Porte homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also shrinks your carbon footprint and lowers your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
La Porte homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all Indiana residents, and others differ based on municipality, city and utility company.
According to the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to Indiana residents:
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 Indiana Michigan Power - Energy Savings Rebate Program | Wi-Fi/Smart Thermostat: $50-$100 Air Source Heat Pump: $100 - $200/ton Ductless Heat Pump/Mini Split: $80 - $285/ton Geothermal Heat Pump: $120-$240/ton Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $100-$250 ECM Furnace Fan Motor: $100 Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $200 Dehumidifier: $25 |
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. |
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
The size of your system relies on 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 home.
Your solar installation project could be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Not all residences get similar levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
A number of solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries preserve extra energy, which can be helpful for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could increase the overall expense.
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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