Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Bloomington, Indiana. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-tier provider combining the high-efficiency solar technology and comprehensive warranty of SunPower with local installation expertise. They are known for a full-service approach, handling everything from initial consultation and system design to installation, financing, and maintenance. Their partnership with SunPower, a leading manufacturer, is a significant strength.
A locally-owned and operated company that has been serving Southern Indiana for over two decades. They have a strong reputation for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. Their long tenure in the community speaks to their reliability and customer satisfaction.
A well-established regional provider based in Indianapolis that actively serves the Bloomington area. They are a full-service mechanical and electrical contractor with a dedicated solar division. Their scale allows for robust financing options and a wide range of services, from residential to commercial installations. They are known for professional project management and post-installation support.
** The home solar market in Bloomington, Indiana, is active and growing, driven by a community with strong environmental values (bolstered by Indiana University) and the increasing cost-competitiveness of solar technology. The market features a healthy level of competition, primarily from established regional players and a few specialized local installers, rather than a flood of national brands. The average quality of providers is high, as the companies that have endured are those with proven track records and professional certifications. Typical pricing for a residential system in Bloomington is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $30,000** for a typical 6-10 kW system. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Providers in this market are generally well-versed in state-specific incentives, such as net metering policies from Duke Energy, though Indiana's net metering rules have changed for new systems. A key differentiator among top providers is their expertise in battery storage, as this adds resilience against power outages and maximizes self-consumption of solar energy.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Bloomington regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Bloomington, Indiana.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Bloomington, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with Indiana's state property tax exemption for solar installations, which prevents your property taxes from increasing due to the added value. While there are no specific city-level rebates currently, Duke Energy Indiana customers can benefit from net metering, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid.
Bloomington's climate is actually favorable for solar, as cooler temperatures improve panel efficiency. You'll see peak production in the sunny spring and summer months, which helps offset higher air conditioning usage. While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient at low light and can still generate power; net metering credits earned in summer help balance your annual energy costs.
In Bloomington, you'll need an electrical permit and a building permit from the City of Bloomington Planning and Transportation Department. If your home is in a historic district or has a homeowners association (HOA), you must obtain design approval, though Indiana state law (IC 36-1-20-5) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire permitting process for you.
Look for providers with strong local experience, proper Indiana electrical contractor licensing, and certifications from organizations like NABCEP. Ask for references from recent installations in Monroe County and verify they handle the full process, including navigating Duke Energy's interconnection agreement and local Bloomington permits. It's wise to get at least three detailed quotes to compare equipment, warranties, and projected production specific to your roof's orientation.
Duke Energy Indiana offers net metering, where your electric meter runs backward when your system exports surplus energy to the grid. You receive a credit on your bill at the full retail rate (kilowatt-for-kilowatt) for this excess generation. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to build up a bank in sunny months to draw from during less productive winter months, with an annual "true-up" settlement.