Skip Moore
765-973-7302
skipm@rp-l.com
Solar power is a renewable energy source with significant environmental and economic benefits. Richmond hosts five industrial-sized solar fields which are owned and operated by Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA).
Residents can take advantage of the sun’s power by installing panels on the roof of their home or on other property structures. But first, know the facts! Following the correct procedures for solar power additions protects consumers and those working on our powerlines.
Solar power is a renewable energy source with significant environmental and economic benefits. Richmond hosts five industrial-sized solar fields which are owned and operated by Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA).
Residents can take advantage of the sun’s power by installing panels on the roof of their home or on other property structures. But first, know the facts! Following the correct procedures for solar power additions protects consumers and those working on our powerlines.
While adding solar energy can be a great choice for the environment and your wallet, adding any type of energy to your home without consulting RP&L is a dangerous move! Contact the RP&L Engineering Department to let them know you’re considering solar. They can ensure you have the correct information to aid in the installation and will provide a connection agreement for you to sign once you’re ready to go. Help us keep our line men and women safe by making this step a priority! Contact: skipm@rp-l.com or 765-973-7302.
Solar panels need ample sun (obviously) to perform properly. Do you have enough sun on your property? Are trees or other structures obstructing the sun’s light? Do you have a roof or structure able to handle the panels? These questions and more can be answered by a solar installation company. A quick Google search will result in a number of possibilities, but many Richmond residents have used Solarize, Inc. to help them find a qualified installer.
Solarize East Central Indiana is a statewide nonprofit which has partnered with the City of Richmond to provide semi-annual and on-demand education to homeowners. Their informational sessions include information about the logistics, benefits, and long-term impact of going solar. Solarize does not charge the city for the partnership and does not charge homeowners for the educational guidance. Those who choose to utilize Solarize's expertise enjoy the benefit of a 10% discount on installation by the vetted installer. You can also use a locally developed solar map to give you an idea of whether or not your roof might be a good option for solar!
Solar Map of Wayne County
Hoosier Solarize Initiative of East Central Indiana
Zoning Determination Letter which states that solar panels are a permitted accessory use, by right, in all of Richmond's Zoning Districts
Adding solar can be expensive, but there are government incentives and financing programs to help you succeed. Once again, Solarize is a good resource for this information: Indiana Incentives. Remember to reach out to your insurance agent for information on how solar might impact your coverage. The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has a great guide for homeowners who are interested in going solar. It contains links to incentives, financing information, and everything else you need to know! Find that guide here.
Whether you lean on Solarize for help or use an installer from elsewhere, remember to connect the installer with Richmond Power and Light BEFORE they begin to work. Skipping this step can be costly and dangerous for both the homeowner and RP&L employees. Need recommendations on reputable installers? Look no further than local installations! Cope Environmental Center has a large solar array powering their facility and so does First Friends Meeting. Both organizations would be happy to offer suggestions. Several local residents have added solar as well- you can connect with them through the Environmental Commission. Regardless of who you choose, always ask for references and do your homework to ensure they are a reputable company with a good track record.
CopeEnvironmental.org
First Friends Meeting Richmond
Solarize East Central Indiana | Facebook
Need further help finding an installer? EnergySage has put together a great comprehensive list to help consumers
Richmond's Planning and Zoning Office can help you and your installer with the installation permit, only one of which is needed for solar installations in Richmond. Follow this link for an infographic about the permitting process to show you how to get that permit, or this link to go to the City's Permits and Inspections page for more. You can always directly call 765-983-7341 for assistance.
Residential Solar Panel Permit Checklist
This website offers details about best practices for valuing solar, navigating land leases, ways to compare quotes, and a Guide to Solar translated into Spanish. Investing in solar is just like investing in any other piece of equipment or service- do your homework and know about potential stumbling blocks in advance of signing the contract! For more consumer protection information, click HERE.
You have rights! Solar United Neighbors has done some homework for you. Check out this webpage to better understand your solar rights and policies that could have an impact on your ability to add solar to your home or business.
Do you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association? Take a minute to learn more about how HOA's can affect your ability to place solar on your property. This website gives you information on the basics but also allows you to see Indiana-specific info about current policies and potential bills regarding HOAs.
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