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 providers to choose from than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make adopting solar power simpler. While solar power is 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.
Here, we’ll narrow down some of the best solar companies in South Bend to make your choice a little bit easier.If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the best South Bend solar companies, you can click the button below to learn 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 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
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your panels.Some key things that determine how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than a house with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be too pricey an investment for families that don’t need too much energy a month.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $17,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the size of your house and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in South Bend
In an effort to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more economical and accessible.Regardless of what state you live in, 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. Plus, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in South Bend
There are a few key reasons why homeowners want to invest in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in South Bend, though. Everyone can help the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use more energy will have a bigger impact.In South Bend, the average household can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. The good things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with using solar energy.
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
Which solar company is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in South Bend is Solar Energy Systems LLC, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it gives you a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 16.3 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget and how much energy generation you want.
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.