Indiana enjoys nearly 200 sunny days per year, making it a great place to go solar. However, in 2018, 69 percent of Indiana’s net electricity generation came from coal. The state ranks eighth in the country for coal production and second in coal consumption. Less than seven percent of Indiana’s energy comes from renewables, with solar making up less than one percent of that total. Nevertheless, the Solar Energy Industries Association places Indiana 11th in the nation in terms of growth over the next five years, signaling a more hopeful and bright future for solar energy in Indiana. Discover why moving to solar can save money in Indiana, and where to start.
Indiana’s Solar
Report Card
To determine a grade for each state, our researchers and solar experts analyzed data on crucial solar-advancement criteria from the following sources:
- Rebates, Tax Credits, and Tax Exemptions from Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency;
- Electricity Rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration;
- Renewable Energy Policy from NC Clean Energy Technology Center;
- Interconnection Ease from Freeing The Grid;
- Photovoltaic Potential from the Energy Department
We determined a rank from one to 10 for each state in each category. We then combined the scores with the following weights and assigned an overall grade for each state. Our goal is to encourage those considering solar for their homes to get a basic understanding of solar potential in their areas and discover the best opportunities for clean energy available.
Incentives & Rebates, 40%
Electricity Rate, 15%
Renewable Energy Policy, 30%
Interconnection Ease, 5%
Photovoltaic Potential, 10%
Electricity Prices in Indiana
One reason for the slow adoption of solar power could be the low cost of electricity in Indiana. Residential electricity is currently about $0.12 per kWh, which is below the national average. And though the state sees very cold winters and hot, muggy summers (fluctuations that typically see high energy costs year-round), residents typically pay only about $105 per month on their utility bill. Again, low cost could slow the spread of solar and other renewable power sources in the Hoosier state.
Cost of Residential Electricity
Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration
*as of Q3 2015
Incentives, Installation and
Resources in Indiana
Indiana Solar Policies & Incentives
There are a number of state and federal incentive programs designed to lower the cost of going solar. But even though solar energy is an excellent option for Indiana residents, it is not pushed strongly by the state government. So far there are only about 377 megawatts of solar PV systems in place on the electric grid in the state. Most of these megawatts are not generated in Indiana but rather sold to the utilities through power purchase agreements with others. The state legislature did produce a voluntary clean energy portfolio standard that was effective as of January 2012. This standard allows utilities and power supply retailers to become eligible for incentives if they meet program goals and increase the amount of clean energy they are using and supplying. Find out more about the incentives available for Indiana residents.
REBATES/INCENTIVES
Any solar customer in good standing is eligible for the utility’s feed-in tariff program, in which users generate some of their own electricity and receive a monthly check for the amount of electricity generated from the solar installation. The compensation is $0.1564 per kWh for solar installations between 5 kW and 10 kW and $0.138 kWh to $0.138/kWh for solar installations between 10 and 200 kW.
None for residential specifically
Community energy conservation projects by non-residential may entities be eligible to receive $25,000 to $100,000 grants from the Indiana Office of Energy Development. The projects must be visible and located in Indiana using commercially available technology.
POLICIES
The Comprehensive Hoosier Option to Incentivize Cleaner Energy program provides incentives to state utilities that voluntarily increase clean energy resources in electricity portfolios. The program sets a voluntary goal of 10 percent clean energy by 2025 and utilities agree to use about 4 percent of their total electricity by 2018. There is no specific solar carve-out.
Net MeteringThe state’s investor-owned utilities are required to offer net metering to electric customers with a maximum capacity of 1 megawatt. Net excess generation is credited at the retail rate to a customer’s next monthly bill and credits roll over indefinitely.
Solar and Wind Easements & Rights LawsPlanning and zoning authorities are prevented by law from prohibiting or unreasonably restricting the use of solar energy, including passive solar structures. Although there is not a specific right to sunlight, parties are allowed to enter into solar easement contracts that are enforceable.
Interconnection StandardsIndiana Utility Regulatory Commission rules require the state’s utilities to provide three levels of interconnection. Fees are not required with Level 1 (10 kW) systems, but fees are in place for Level 2 (2 MW) and Level 3 (outside of Level 1 and 2) systems.
None for residential specifically
All City of Bloomington buildings must be designed, contracted and built using green building principles, including renewable resources and achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification.
TAX CREDITS
None
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
EXEMPTIONS
Solar photovoltaic systems are exempt from property taxes if they were installed after Dec. 31, 2011. The amount of the exemption is the assessed value of the photovoltaic installation and is allowed each year that the system functions.
None for residential specifically
None for commercial specifically
Companies & Contractors Installing Solar Panels in Indiana
There are a number of companies that offer solar installation and services within the state of Indiana. Here’s a list to get you started on your quest for a solar contractor:
This solar company installs PV and solar thermal units and offers a comprehensive look at the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Where it operatesClinton, IN
Year of opening1992
Greenworks specializes in helping its residential and small commercial customers in designing, installing and maintaining solar systems.
Where it operatesYorktown, IN
Home Energy designs and installs grid-tied and off-grid renewable energy systems.
Where it operatesMiddlebury, IN
Year of opening2000
This company provides solar energy services statewide and puts an emphasis on acting responsibly for the benefit of the community.
Where it operatesSouth Bend, IN
Year of opening2003
Jefferson Electric will work with residents to design a system, select products and install choices.
Where it operatesIndianapolis, IN
Year of opening2011
Midwest Wind and Solar specializes in wind and solar systems for commercial, residential, educational, municipal and agricultural sectors. They take the customer from analysis and funding through design, installation and maintenance.
Where it operatesMerrillville, IN
Year of opening2009
Family-owned with offices in Indianapolis and Boonville, Rectify Solar installs solar arrays and electric vehicle charging stations. With more than 10 years of experience, the team has installed more than 500 solar arrays.
Where it operatesIndianapolis, IN
Year of opening2013
Morton has worked with commercial, residential, utility, governmental and municipal customers to provide grid-tied and off-grid solar systems.
Where it operatesEvansville, IN
Year of opening2006
Solar Energy Solutions offers solar electric, solar hot water and wind power systems. It is a certified woman-owned business.
Where it operatesEvansville, IN
Year of opening2006
This is a small, private company that serves Indiana and surrounding states with alternative energy and solar energy systems.
Where it operatesNappanee, IN
Year of opening2009
Owned and operated by a 30-year journeyman and LEED accredited electrician, Sunwired brings cost-effective solar installations to Northern Indiana residents.
Where it operatesMunster, IN
Formed in the Tri-state area, Whole Sun Designs specializes in residential solar systems and products in an area with the highest energy costs in the state.
Where it operatesWadesville, IN
Year of opening2011
Indiana Solar Panel Resources
This national site that indicates all of the incentives each state and/or federal office wants to give to the general public for installing solar systems.
This government entity was established in 1986 to provide environmental oversight and assistance throughout the state. The mission of IDEM is to implement environmental regulations from the state and the federal government.
Charged with the regulation and oversight of Indiana’s natural resources including renewable energy sources, this website has a wide range of resources for residents.
The vision of the Office of Energy Development is for all Hoosiers to attain reliable and affordable sources of energy. It strives to be a national leader in the development of innovative energy policies.
Founded in 2008, the InREA formed to support proposed legislation for a Renewable Electricity Standard and represents businesses that produce and consumers who use renewable energy in the state.
This government resource is not an advocate for the public nor the utilities, but rather a regulatory body whose role is to make decisions regarding utilities that are in the best interest of all involved parties.