Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Terre Haute residents. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. Luckily, we've done the research and assembled a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation companies in Terre Haute.
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Family-operated business
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. In Indiana, there are no electrical or solar contracting licenses at the state level, though local communities might adopt their own licensing programs.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
To find a solar company that fits your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar energy can help reduce your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
Solar panel costs vary based on your system's capacity and the solar technology used. The typical Terre Haute solar array has a capacity of 8.7 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $4,100 per kilowatt; the average Terre Haute homeowners spends about $25,015 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for factors such as the size, panel type, and capacity of the planned system, and should include fees for permit fees, preliminary work, and labor.
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 Amount:
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
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Terre Haute, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Terre Haute, the average amount someone can save is $1,608 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Terre Haute, meaning your payback period could last 15.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
Although solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend 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.
When it comes to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can generate and manage energy under more conditions.
