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10 Best Solar Companies in Portage, IN

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Switching to solar energy can allow you to save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why we’ve reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the most reputable solar installation companies in Portage. These top installers consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Financing Options
4.3/5
  • BluePower Plus+ financing program
  • Good selection of quality panels
  • Most affordable options

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Portage

SunPower by Sun N Us

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1400 E Touhy Ave Unit 255, Des Plaines, IL 60018 (833) 786-6878 sunpowerbysunnus.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation

Greentech Renewables Chicago

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2207 E 165th St, Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 803-7878 cedgreentechus.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation

B.T. Electric Inc

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9321 Wicker Ave, St John, IN 46323 (312) 788-8879 bteillinois.com

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Panel installation

Ailey Solar Electric, Inc.

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1965 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 492-1294 aileysolar.com

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Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Consultation
Panel installation

FreeWorld Solar

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1212 N Ashland Ave 2nd floor, Chicago, IL 60622 (312) 585-7761 freeworldrenewables.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

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Financing assistance
Panel installation
Battery storage
Consultation
Permit assistance
Skilled repairs

Nexamp

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101 N Wacker Dr Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606 (617) 431-1440 nexamp.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Community solar projects
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Battery storage

RxSun

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2211 N Elston Ave Suite 208, Chicago, IL 60614 (800) 607-9786 rxsun.com

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Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

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Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation
Panel installation
Financing assistance
Permit assistance

Headline Solar

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111 S Wacker Dr #56, Chicago, IL 60606 (847) 262-9302 yadkinsolar.shop

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services

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401 N Trumbull Ave # D, Chicago, IL 60624 (224) 307-4057 windsoleil.com

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Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Off-grid solar systems
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system

ENGIE North America

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225 W Hubbard St #200, Chicago, IL 60654 (877) 762-6731 engie-na.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage
Financing assistance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Indiana does not issue electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, though localities might adopt their own licensing programs.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have barely any reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra discounts to motivate homeowners to install solar panels. Review the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also offer incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed through leases or loans. Check important financing details such as payment schedule, fees, annual percentage rate (APR), and ownership implications when financing your solar system.

Cost of Solar Installation in Portage

The cost of home solar panels in Portage depends on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $4,100 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Portage are 8.9 kilowatts, and the typical Portage homeowners spends $25,646 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.

Portage Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: in.gov

Incentive Amount:

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

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: nobleremc.com

Incentive Amount:

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

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: powermoves.com

Incentive Amount:

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

Incentive Type: Feed-in Tariff

Website: nipsco.com

Incentive Amount:

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

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Portage, IN

A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.

There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.

Yes. The grid in Portage already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.

Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on their rated capacity, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and the average sunlight in your area. Portage gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 13.7 years per 5 kW of capacity.

The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. A majority of solar contractors in the Portage area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.

While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

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