INDIANAPOLIS — A national solar power installation company has decided to expand its business to Indiana, despite recent law changes that weaken incentives for people who use solar power.
Last week, Powerhome announced it was expanding into the Hoosier state. After expansions in Michigan and Ohio, Indiana seemed like an appropriate next step for the Carolina-based company.
The move comes as solar power incentives continue to get weaker and weaker in Indiana.
Two years ago, Indiana lawmakers passed a bill that reduces, and eventually eliminates net metering in Indiana.
Net metering is when you produce more power than you use, and sell it back to the electric utility grid. People who entered into net metering contracts before December 2017 were grandfathered into the deal until 2047.
But if you built a solar roof now, you would only be able to get the benefits until 2032.
Powerhome Director of Sales Kenny Klinger said despite the end of net metering, customers still have ways to make solar worth it, such as using all the excess power or installing some kind of battery.
“Would we like to see [net metering] forever? Yes, It's in the consumer's best interest,” Klinger said. “But long-term, we know that won't be there forever. We have other options available for the consumer.”
Indiana may not be the first state you think of when considering how much sun you can get. It’s not California, Nevada, or the Sunshine State. But Klinger said Indiana is actually very viable for solar power, and has a familiar similarity across the Atlantic Ocean – Germany. Klinger said Indiana is in a similar geographical situation to Germany.
“Germany is the most progressive solar nation in the world,” Klinger said. “If it works in Germany, it’ll work in Indiana.”
Powerhome is also hiring 80-100 people for multiple positions with its Indiana expansion. The company is looking for people to fill sales, installation and administrative positions. For more information, click here to visit its website or attend the job fair Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. at its Indianapolis office at 4496 Saguaro Trail.
