State Banner

Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Indiana!

Welcome to Indiana, a state celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage, bustling industries, and now, its growing interest in the solar energy frontier. With an advantageous mix of sunny and clear days, Indiana provides a promising platform for the adoption of solar power. This opportunity invites homeowners and businesses to explore the benefits of clean, renewable energy, aligning with the state?s commitment to sustainability and economic growth. Supported by robust incentives aimed at lessening the financial burden of initial installation and driven by a community increasingly focused on environmental preservation, Indiana is poised to embrace a solar energy transformation. Learn how tapping into Indiana?s solar potential can light up your home, reduce your energy bills, and foster a cleaner, greener environment right here in the Hoosier State. Join us in harnessing the sun?s boundless energy and moving towards a brighter, more sustainable future in Indiana.

Solar State Incentives

Indiana State Solar Incentives

NIPSCO - Feed-In Tariff
NIPSCO's feed-in tariff program for solar, wind, or biomass electricity generation is open for all customers in good standing. Intermediate solar category is closed.
Community Conservation Challenge
Indiana OED offers grants up to $80,000 for community energy conservation projects, with priority given to projects with multiple organizational support.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Electrical Generating Equipment
Indiana does not exempt equipment used in renewable electricity production from sales and use tax, but may allow exceptions for equipment directly used in manufacturing.
City of Bloomington - Sustainable Development Incentives
Bloomington offers incentives for sustainable development including fee waivers and relaxed standards. Requirements involve energy efficiency, landscape design, public policy, and transportation.
Clean Energy Portfolio Standard
Indiana's Clean Energy Portfolio Standard aims for 10% clean energy by 2025, offering incentives for utilities to increase renewable energy sources in their portfolio.
City of Bloomington - Green Building Requirements for Municipal Buildings
Bloomington's Green Buildings Program, established in 2009, mandates all new city buildings to achieve at least a LEED-NC Silver certification. It also assesses existing buildings for potential upgrades.
Energy Efficient State Building Initiative
Indiana Governor's 2008 Executive Order demands energy efficiency in new state buildings. Standards include LEED, Green Globe, and ENERGY STAR ratings.
Interconnection Standards
Indiana's interconnection rules, approved by the IURC, facilitate distributed generation by imposing three levels of interconnection requirements on investor-owned utilities.
Net Metering
Indiana regulatory commission approved a new distributed generation rate in 2021, using a net billing system and offering compensation for exported electricity.
Indiana Solar Easements & Rights Laws
Indiana's laws prevent zoning authorities from restricting solar energy use and homeowners' associations from banning solar panels, with exceptions.
Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption
Renewable energy systems, including wind, hydropower, geothermal, and solar, are exempt from property tax. Property owners can claim this exemption annually.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.