8 Best Solar Companies in South Bend, IN (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in South Bend based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for South Bend, IN
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average South Bend homeowner saves $1,411/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in South Bend
When deciding on the best solar companies, South Bend homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to take in, but we’re here to make switching to solar energy easier. While solar panels are a great investment, you’ll be able to make that money back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $17,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary greatly based on your home’s infrastructure and your overall energy needs.To get free quotes from the top solar companies in South Bend, click the "get quote" button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in South Bend
Solar Energy Systems LLC
Prompt Service Delivery- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Wellspring Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Helios Solar LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Photon Electric LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Climax Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Advanced Solar Distributor LLC.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Solect Energy, L.L.C.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Renewable Energy Systems, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in South Bend
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in South Bend based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in South Bend
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Indiana solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in South Bend
When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs the most.Some important factors that determine how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Because of South Bend’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electric bills.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what model of solar panels you can buy.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in South Bend uses a lot of energy, and consequently may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you reduce your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can use. Additionally, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
Because of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as several solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in South Bend
If you’re considering switching to solar power, a variety of government incentives and state programs can immensely reduce the cost of the project and speed up the return on your investment.Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that stack with the ITC too. For more information about incentives for homeowners in South Bend, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in South Bend
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the main reasons why may be to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.But – how much exactly can you help by going solar? No matter where you are, you can help protect the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that use lots of energy will have an even greater impact.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll most likely understand that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's South Bend, IN Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in South Bend?
In South Bend, Solar Energy Systems LLC is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.80 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it’s environmentally friendly, and it can give you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 16.3 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, your budget and how much efficiency you're looking for.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.