Contact

Clara Lotz
Climate Resiliency and Sustainability Officer
clotz @westlafayette.in.gov

500 S. River Road
West Lafayette, IN 47906
(765) 715-1977
TTY: 711

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.

Solar in Our Community

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SolSmart Designation

West Lafayette has been recognized as a SolSmart Silver designee by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and local businesses to install and access solar energy! We're proud to be a leader in supporting access to rooftop solar benefits, from economic growth to resilience and cleaner air.

SolSmart is a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that has helped over 500 local governments and regional organizations expand knowledge and resources on solar energy systems in our community.

Benefits of Going Solar

Small scale solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies, creates local jobs, saves money on energy costs, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Home solar energy systems can also increase energy independence for individuals and provide cost savings on your energy bill.

Data from the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Solar Energy in West Lafayette

Did you know our community has the potential to generate 214,000 Megawatt hours of rooftop solar electricity per year (MWh AC/yr)?

According to Google’s Environmental Insights Explorer, around 84% of rooftops in the City of West Lafayette have the potential for solar installation.

West Lafayette strives to encourage rooftop solar energy development in our community. This webpage represents a collection of solar information and resources for residents. In 2025, the City of West Lafayette will be installing rooftop solar energy systems on 5 of its City buildings to help reduce operational costs and become more energy efficient!

Rooftop Solar is coming to these Buildings in 2025:

Margerum City Hall

John Dennis Wellness Center

Fire Station 3

Street & Sanitation

West Lafayette Public Library

For more information on rooftop solar for your home or business, please consult the tabs below.

Getting Started

For information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Is your home a good candidate for solar? Find out with Google’s Project Sunroof.
Estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.

Additional Useful Links

Finding A Contractor

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Typically, solar installations are paid for through loans, upfront payments, or a power purchase agreement (PPA).

Indiana Incentives:
There are many options available for solar financing in Indiana. For a comprehensive, up-to-date guide please visit Solar United Neighbor’s Solar Incentives and Financing in Indiana. Many of the available incentives are listed on the website and stated below. Rebates, financing, and other incentives will vary depending on location and income.

• Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption (State Form 18865)
• Indiana Property Tax Benefits (Form 51781)
• Financing from Hoosier Hills Credit Union
• Financing from Indiana Energy Independence Fund
• Duke Energy Grid Connection

As state updates occur, please consult the Indiana Office of Energy Development or the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

Federal Incentives:
There are several incentives and funding opportunities available for solar and other clean energy technologies at the federal level. To begin looking at applicable federal incentives on energy efficiency upgrades please visit Rewiring America. Rebates and incentives will vary depending on location and income. Below are some of the available incentives and funding.

• Federal Solar Tax Credits for Homeowner’s, Businesses, and Manufacturers
• Residential Clean Energy Credit

As federal updates occur, please consult the U.S. Department of Energy.

Consumer Protections, Rights, and News

Excess Distributed Generation versus Net Metering
In 2004, Indiana adopted 170 IAC 4-4.2 that allowed solar owners to receive credit for electricity produced by their system. In 2017, Indiana passed SEA 309 which includes a phase out for net metering solar systems installed after 2018. In 2022, Indiana introduced IC 8-1-40 which created distributed generation tariffs for utility providers in Indiana. The excess electricity created by solar panels is distributed locally to your neighbors and you receive a utility credit based on the electricity shared. For more information, please visit the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor or your electric utility provider.

Homeowner’s Associations and Solar Power
In 2022, HB 1196 was signed into law in Indiana providing a pathway for homeowners living in HOAs to install solar. The two-step process includes informing your HOA and neighbors of your proposed installation and gathering signatures for approval of installation. For more information, please visit Solar United Neighbors.

Find other useful resources on solar rights, consumer protection, and procedures:

• Interstate Renewable Energy Council Consumer Solar Checklist
• Solar United Neighbors’ Solar Owner’s Manual
• Interstate Renewable Energy Council Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights
• Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) Indiana State Solar Programs

Job Training & Educational Opportunities

More Information