City of Bloomington, IN | Climate Action Dashboard
© 2025
When you imagine what you can do as a homeowner to reduce your carbon footprint, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is solar energy. Indeed, installing a home solar system can be one of the most effective ways to both save money and dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. This is probably the single handedly most impactful individual action you can take!
Thankfully, the solar ecosystem has matured an incredible amount over the past two decades and there are significant financial incentives, rebates, and other resources available to assist you in making the switch to solar. There are also several different options of solar systems you can consider installing:
Solar + Battery System: The traditional, rooftop solar panels that help power your home with electricity accompanied by a battery system that stores energy for use at night or when the sun isn’t shining.
Solar Hot Water System: A system that use solar energy to heat water, which is then stored in an insulated tank for use. It can significantly reduce your energy usage in your home and is a cheaper alternative to investing in a full-blown solar + battery system.
In terms of incentives, the IRS offers a Residential Clean Energy Credit for home solar systems. The City of Bloomington also provides affordable financing and rebate opportunities through partnerships with local lenders with its Green Home Improvement Program. Additionally, there are a number of local organizations and nonprofits that provide financial and educational resources for homeowners interested in powering their home with green energy. Indiana Solar for All (ISFA) provides reduced-discount materials for home solar installations, financed through “sweat equity” provided by the recipient. The Solar Indiana Renewable Energy Network (SIREN) is another valuable resource for homeowners looking to learn more about solar energy and its benefits.
