2026 · No Federal Tax Credit · NREL + EIA Data
Solar Panels in Indiana: Cost, Payback & ROI (2026)
Is solar still worth it in Indiana after the 30% federal tax credit expired? These pre-computed estimates use NREL PVWatts production data and current 13.1¢/kWh Indiana electricity rates for a typical home using 900 kWh/month.
Section 25D (30% federal solar tax credit) expired December 31, 2025
All numbers below reflect 2026 math with no federal residential credit. State incentives, where applicable, are noted in the section below.
Indiana Solar at a Glance
Based on a 900 kWh/month home ($118/mo electric bill at 13.1¢/kWh), 100% offset, no state rebate applied.
8.8 kW
For 900 kWh/month home
$26,115
At $2.95/W (LBNL 2024 avg)
15.9 years
Without state rebate
$1,415
Estimated annual savings
$45,244
Cumulative before rebate
$19,129
Savings minus system cost
13.1¢/kWh
near average vs. 16.0¢ U.S. avg · EIA 2025
1,220 kWh/kW/yr
limited · 3.7 peak sun hrs/day · NREL PVWatts
Is Solar Worth It in Indiana in 2026?
Indiana's 13.1¢/kWh rate is near the national average, but the state's net metering policy was reformed in 2017 to reduce export credits to avoided-cost rates rather than retail. This 'net metering lite' approach requires systems be sized primarily for self-consumption to maximize value.
For a typical Indiana home consuming 900 kWh per month, our calculation shows a 8.8 kW system needed for 100% offset. At the current national average installed cost of $2.95/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024), that's $26,115 gross before any state rebates. Year-one savings of $1,415 grow each year as electricity rates escalate — the model assumes 2.5%/year (EIA AEO 2024).
The 15.9 years payback period is longer than the national average due to low electricity rates or limited solar resource. Over 25 years — the standard warranty period for most premium panels — a Indiana homeowner following this profile would save an estimated $45,244 total, for a net benefit of $19,129 after recovering the system cost.
Year-by-Year Savings Snapshot: First 10 Years
Based on 8.8 kW system, 0.5%/yr degradation, 2.5%/yr rate escalation, no state rebate.
| Year | Production (kWh) | Annual Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10,800 | $1,415 | $1,415 |
| Year 2 | 10,746 | $1,443 | $2,858 |
| Year 3 | 10,692 | $1,472 | $4,329 |
| Year 4 | 10,639 | $1,501 | $5,830 |
| Year 5 | 10,586 | $1,531 | $7,361 |
| Year 6 | 10,533 | $1,561 | $8,922 |
| Year 7 | 10,480 | $1,592 | $10,514 |
| Year 8 | 10,428 | $1,624 | $12,138 |
| Year 9 | 10,375 | $1,656 | $13,794 |
| Year 10 | 10,324 | $1,689 | $15,483 |
System cost to recover: $26,115. Table shows savings without state rebate applied. Use the interactive calculator to enter your actual bill and any rebate.
Solar Incentives in Indiana (2026)
Indiana's reduced net metering rate (starting 2022 for new systems) means sizing for self-consumption is critical. The state exempts solar from sales tax.
- Modified net metering (near avoided-cost rate for exports)
- Sales tax exemption on solar equipment
Incentive programs change frequently. Verify current offerings at dsireusa.org or directly with your utility before making any purchasing decision.
How We Calculate Indiana Solar ROI
These estimates use the same methodology as our interactive solar ROI calculator, applied to Indiana-specific data:
System cost
$2.95/W installed
LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024
Solar production
1,220 kWh/kW/yr
NREL PVWatts v8
Electricity rate
13.1¢/kWh
EIA Residential Rates 2025
Rate escalation
2.5%/year
EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2024
Panel degradation
0.5%/year
NREL (Jordan & Kurtz, median)
System lifetime
25 years
Standard warranty period
No Section 25D (federal residential solar credit) is included — it expired December 31, 2025. State incentives are not reflected in these pre-computed figures; use the interactive calculator to enter specific rebate amounts.
Calculate With Your Actual Numbers
The figures above use statewide averages. Enter your actual monthly bill, any Indiana rebate amounts, and your offset target in our interactive calculator for a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Indiana
Compare Other States
Estimates are based on NREL PVWatts v8 production data, EIA 2025 electricity rates, and LBNL 2024 installed cost benchmarks. Actual savings vary by roof pitch, shading, utility rate structure, and local permit costs. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed solar installer before making any purchasing decision.