Indianapolis, IN Solar: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Indianapolis
If you live in Indianapolis and have watched your electricity bill climb, you’re not imagining things. Indiana electricity prices have increased 16% from 2020 to 2024, leaving many Hoosiers looking for a more predictable way to power their homes. That’s where solar installation in Indianapolis comes in.
Whether you’re just curious or ready to compare options, this guide walks you through what solar panel installation looks like here. Our team has helped homeowners across Indiana, and you can learn more in our detailed guide on home solar panels.
INDIANA by the Numbers
- 36th Most residential solar in the United States
- 10 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.6 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$44k Indianapolis average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Indianapolis, IN?
See real solar costs for Indianapolis homes, built from our actual local installations. Whether you live in Carmel, Fishers, Greenwood, or Zionsville, this calculator uses firsthand data to give you a clear, honest estimate. No guesswork—just real numbers from real homes near you, so you can plan with confidence.
Lease/Cash Purchase Options
- Small Home Up to 2,000 sq ft
- Medium Home 2,000-3,000 sq ft
- Large Home Over 3,000 sq ft
This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in Indiana.
Recommended System
- Size: 6.80 kW
- Your Monthly Payment Estimated monthly cost with LightReach: $87/mo
Why Lease Solar?
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Cost Breakdown
- System Cost: $21,521
- Price per Watt: $3.16
- Estimated Monthly Savings: $101
- Payback Period: 14.3 years
- 25-Year Savings: $44,070
Palmetto Reviews
Steve Shaw
I resisted going solar for years because of the cost of installation that many quoted when they came to my door. Someone finally came to my door from Palmetto and offered a solar plan that didn’t cost me a penny to install the solar at all. They looked at my power bill and told me how many panels they would install and that they would only bill be $83 dollars a month. My wife and I did that math, and we said okay. After everything was installed and up and running, they sent me an email that said my monthly bill would only be $63 a month instead of the $83. I said, “Great”...
Jesse Richardson
Palmetto Solar has been nothing but solid for me. Their app is clean, easy to use, and honestly kind of addictive — I catch myself checking my energy production like it’s a scoreboard. And the savings on my electric bill are the real deal. Every month I’m seeing the difference...
Maria Margaritis
Palmetto Solar is a fantastic solar company to work with. They provide great communication every step of the way. Customer service is excellent! Keeping their customers fully informed of just how simple the solar install and payment set up is...
Key Takeaways
- Indiana electricity prices rose about 10% from 2021 to 2024, so going solar in Indianapolis gives you a more predictable way to power your home.
- Indianapolis homeowners can save around $44,000 over 25 years with a typical solar system, thanks to lower bills and state incentives.
- Leasing solar through LightReach means no upfront cost, since Palmetto owns and maintains the system while passing savings to you through low monthly payments.
Indianapolis Electricity Prices
Indiana’s average electricity price rose from 13.4 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.8 cents in 2024—about a 10% increase. For Indianapolis homeowners on AES Indiana, those steady climbs add up over time.
Solar installation in Indianapolis offers a more predictable alternative.
Price of Energy: Indiana vs National Average
- Indiana: 13.7¢ - 14.8¢
- US Average: 16.0¢
Indianapolis Area Utility Providers
- AES Indiana: 13.80¢
- Duke Energy: 14.30¢
- Indiana Average: 14.90¢
- US Average: 16.0¢
Indiana Solar Incentives
Going solar in Indianapolis costs less than you might think, thanks to several solar incentives in Indiana that help offset installation costs.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Exemption | 100% of any increase in home assessed value from a solar installation is exempt from property taxes. | Learn More |
| Indiana Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Equipment | Sales Tax Exemption | Residential solar energy system components are exempt from the state’s 7% sales tax. | Learn More |
| Indiana Excess Distributed Generation (EDG) / Net Billing Program | Net Metering | Credits solar customers for surplus electricity sent to the grid at 125% of the avoided-cost rate. | Learn More |
| PowerSave Indiana Loan Program | Rebate | Provides below-market unsecured financing for solar and battery storage installations. | Learn More |
Indianapolis Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Solar Production in Indianapolis by Month
- Summer Production (July): 46.5 kWh/day
- Winter Production (December): 21 kWh/day
- Annual Production: 13,309 kWh/year
Solar Panel Systems in Indianapolis
Explore this interactive map to see how many Indianapolis homes have switched to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly amount based on your system’s estimated yearly production, so your costs stay predictable no matter the season.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Indianapolis, IN have net metering?
Yes, but Indianapolis follows Indiana’s net billing program, called Excess Distributed Generation (EDG).
Do solar panels increase your home value in Indianapolis, IN?
Yes, owned solar panels can increase your home’s value in Indianapolis.
How much does it cost to go solar in Indianapolis, IN?
The most affordable way to go solar in Indianapolis is leasing through LightReach, which starts around $87 per month for a medium home.
How does leasing solar work?
Palmetto offers solar leasing through LightReach with no upfront cost.
Is solar worth it financially?
For many Indianapolis homeowners, solar makes financial sense because it replaces a rising electric bill with a more predictable monthly cost.
Do solar panels require maintenance in Indianapolis, IN?
Solar panels are low maintenance.
What solar incentives are available in Indianapolis, IN?
Indianapolis homeowners can benefit from several state and local incentives.