15 Best Solar Companies in South Bend, IN (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in South Bend based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for South Bend, IN
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average South Bend homeowner saves $1,411/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in South Bend

As a homeowner or business owner in South Bend, you may be considering switching to solar and curious about the best solar companies in your local area. Solar could be a fantastic choice since it comes with a lot of perks. Solar power isn't just good for the planet — your wallet will thank you too. With solar power, you can save an average of $17,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.

If you want to start making use of the great amount of benefits of solar, we'll help you narrow down your options to find the South Bend solar installer that's in the right price range for you. If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the top South Bend solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Briter Products, Inc.

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.briterproducts.com/
Address: 1901 N Bendix Dr, South Bend, IN 46628
Phone: 5747031873
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar By Mike Johnson

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.solarbymikejohnson.com/
Address: 52250 Woodedge Dr, Granger, IN 46530
Phone: 5742262595
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Crossroads Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.crossroads-solar.com/contact.html
Address: 251 E Sample St, South Bend, IN 46619
Phone: 6077591058
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Future Solutions

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://fsi-solutions.com/
Address: 2616 Glenview Dr, Elkhart, IN 46514
Phone: 5742623688
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar Energy Systems LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.sesindiana.com/
Address: 8015 W 1350 N suite a, Nappanee, IN 46550
Phone: 5747730546
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.3/5

Hightec Solar

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.hightecsolar.com/
Address: 1000 IN-212, Michigan City, IN 46360
Phone: 2198795501
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Advanced Solar Distributor LLC.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://advancedsolarllc.com/
Address: 474 W Levi Lee Rd, Warsaw, IN 46582
Phone: 5742272801
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Wellspring Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://wellspringsolar.com/
Address: 1085 North 850 West, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Phone: 2607687336
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

PHOTON ELECTRIC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://photonelec.com/
Address: 11585 W 700 S, Millersburg, IN 46543
Phone: 5746423731
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

New Earth Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.newearthsolarmi.com/
Address: 5148 S Sprinkle Rd, Portage, MI 49002
Phone: 2698887773
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Climax Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: https://climaxsolar.com/
Address: 7017 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Phone: 2697462000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Helios Solar LLC

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://helios-solar.com/
Address: 248 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: 2693435560
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Renewable Energy Systems, LLC

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://res-midwest.com/
Address: 2245 N Old State Rd 3, Avilla, IN 46710
Phone: 2608972450
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Lake Lite Inc.

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://lakelite.com/
Address: 105 Simon St, Laotto, IN 46763
Phone: 2609182758
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solect Energy, L.L.C.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://solectenergyllc.com/
Address: 340 E 200 S, LaGrange, IN 46761
Phone: 2604993051

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

The cost of installing solar panels has decreased significantly over the past several years, but it's still a significant investment for most homeowners. There are several factors you should consider when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
  • Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can produce.
  • Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who buy and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their total solar spend by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $17,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
  • How much power your home consumes: Households that need a lot of power each month may require more solar panels and, as a result, be more expensive, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.

There are lots of good benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. Additionally, it can raise the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in South Bend

One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning federal and potentially state incentives. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level incentives, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in South Bend.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in South Bend

One of the reasons so many people are thinking of going solar is to help bring down their environmental impact. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in South Bend, though. In a city like South Bend where energy use is particularly high, installing solar panels is a great plan for people who are worried about the state of the planet. After you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 90 pounds every year. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with using solar energy.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 installation company in South Bend?

The top local solar company in South Bend is Crossroads Solar, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but honestly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do solar panels have to be replaced?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.

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.