Solar Co-op Discount Until December 31

Homeowners in northern Indiana seeking to install solar energy systems at a discounted rate can participate in a local co-op that is making a group purchase. Spearheaded by Solar United Neighbors-Indiana, homeowners vetted company bids to select a preferred installer, who will charge a discounted rate.

Currently at 149 members, the Northern Indiana Solar and EV Charger Co-op is open to new members who are residents in and around St. Joseph, Elkhart, Marshall, and Kosciusko Counties through December 31, 2021. They write, "Co-op members selected Solar Energy Systems to be the group's installer through an open and competitive bidding process. The company is in the process of developing personalized proposals for each co-op participant."

Homeowners who are considering rooftop solar energy should act quickly. In addition to the co-op benefit having a 2021 deadline, in 2022 a federal tax credit decreases and net metering ends in Indiana.

As noted in the KPVA Solar Panel Report:

The Indiana Statehouse is phasing out net metering after July 2022. The utility will then pay a wholesale rate (about 3 cents per kWh) plus 25% for the homeowner’s excess energy and sell it to the neighbor at full retail rate. For those who make the deadline, even the reduced net metering plan is completely phased out after ten years.

Homeowners are eligible for a 26% federal tax credit for solar systems installed in 2020-2022, and 22% for systems installed in 2023. The tax credit expires in 2024.