A Guide to Going Solar with NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Public Service Company
Find out how much it costs for NIPSCO customers to install solar panels
Understanding NIPSCO
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO)
Utility Type: Investor Owned Utility (IOU). An IOU is a private, for-profit company that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to customers in a designated service territory.
Headquarters: Merrillville, Indiana
Parent Organization: NiSource
Website: www.NIPSCO.com
Contact for Solar Related Questions: cnb@NiSource.com
Key takeaways for switching to solar with NIPSCO
Solar Policies: As an IOU, NIPSCO’s solar policies are regulated by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
Commonly Used Solar Programs:
Net Metering - Program is now closed to new applications.
Excess Distributed Generation Tariff - This is the most commonly used program. This program provides a credit to your utility bill in the amount of 125% of the “market price” (not the retail price!) for power for all excess energy generated.
Current Market Price or bill credit: $0.036675 per kwh (as of 3/1/24)
Feed-in Tariff - Another common solar program with NIPSCO, the feed-in Tariff offers you the opportunity to sell energy back to NIPSCO. Note, all solar energy generated on site is sent to NIPSCO, which means this solar energy is not available for the customer’s use. Also, customer transfers all rights to environmental assets from the sale of energy (SREC’s) to NIPSCO.
Micro-Solar (5-10 kW): $0.1564 per kwh payment (Open for Application)
Intermediate solar (3Ph): Currently Closed
Go-Off Grid - Disconnect from NIPSCO or install a system separate from the grid. Click here.
Go Solar with NIPSCO >>
NIPSCO Indiana Service Territory
Key NIPSCO Documents
“ With NIPSCO, you have a choice between the Excess Distributed Generation Tariff (EDG) and the Feed-in Tarriff (FIT).
EDG allows you to use your solar energy, but only credits ~$0.03/kwh for excess generation.
With FIT, you are not able to use any of the solar energy, but all is sold to NIPSCO for $0.156/kwh. Keep in mind this payment is taxable!”
Want more tips ?
Download the Indiana Solar Guide
Top 10 tips on how to shop for solar in Indiana
Solar pitfalls and how to avoid them
Trusted advice from solar industry professionals
<< Download Now
See other NIPSCO customers that switched to solar.
Are solar panels worth it for NIPSCO Indiana customers?
Yes! For NIPSCO customers in Indiana, adding solar panels can be a worthwhile consideration, especially with NIPSCO’s Feed-in Tariff program. NIPSCO no longer offers net metering, however their Excess Distributed Generation Tarriff is also a good option as it does provide the customer with a credit for excess energy generated. This credit is lower than the “retail rate” so you might consider adding battery storage or modifying the system size to maximize how much solar energy is consumed on site rather than sent back to NIPSCO.
Additionally, the availability of the federal tax credit can offset the initial installation costs, making solar more accessible. Furthermore, with NIPSCO's commitment to expanding its renewable energy portfolio, customers may benefit from a more favorable regulatory environment for solar energy adoption. However, individual circumstances, such as roof orientation, local regulations, and financial situation, should be evaluated to determine the overall value of a solar panel installation.
