STATE SOLAR LAWS
Indiana has undergone major changes to its net metering policies, transitioning away from retail-rate net metering. This guide covers your cooling-off rights, Indiana's Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, IURC regulations, and step-by-step exit options for homeowners looking to exit solar contracts in Indiana.
Updated March 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
Indiana homeowners who sign solar contracts generally have at least 3 federal business days to cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule if the sale occurred at their home. Beyond that window, Indiana's Deceptive Consumer Sales Act (IC 24-5-0.5) may provide additional grounds for cancellation if misrepresentations were made. Indiana's transition from retail-rate net metering to a lower-compensation structure under SEA 309 is one of the most important factors affecting solar economics in the state. We always recommend consulting a qualified Indiana attorney before taking action.
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule (16 CFR Part 429) generally provides Indiana homeowners with 3 business days to cancel a sale that occurred at your home or away from the seller's permanent place of business. Door-to-door solar sales are common in Indiana — particularly in the Indianapolis metro area, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, and Carmel/Fishers communities.
Under this rule, the solar company is generally required to:
Indiana Code Section 24-5-0.5-25 (as part of the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act) and the broader Indiana Home Solicitation Sales provisions provide protections for door-to-door transactions. Under Indiana law, sellers conducting home solicitation transactions must provide written cancellation notices. Failure to provide the required notice may extend the cancellation period and may itself constitute a deceptive act.
Important for Indiana homeowners: If the solar company failed to provide the required cancellation notice at the time of sale, your right to cancel may extend beyond the standard 3-day window. This is a common compliance issue in Indiana's growing solar market. Find a solar panel lawyer →
For written contract claims, the Indiana statute of limitations is generally 10 years under IC 34-11-2-11. For fraud claims, the limitation is typically 6 years under IC 34-11-2-7. For DCSA claims, the limitation is generally 2 years. Act promptly to preserve your legal options.
Time-sensitive: If you believe you're within the cooling-off period, send your written cancellation notice immediately via certified mail with return receipt requested. Pre-installation cancellation guide →
The Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act (IC 24-5-0.5) is the state's primary consumer protection statute and is particularly relevant to solar contract disputes. Under the DCSA, homeowners may have grounds for legal action if the solar company engaged in:
Under the DCSA, consumers may pursue private actions and recover actual damages, treble damages for knowing or willful violations under IC 24-5-0.5-4, and attorney's fees. The Indiana Attorney General may also investigate and take enforcement action, seeking civil penalties and injunctive relief.
DCSA tip: Indiana's DCSA provides for treble damages in cases of knowing or willful violations. If a solar company knowingly used inaccurate net metering rates in its savings projections — particularly after Indiana's net metering changes — this could be considered a willful violation eligible for treble damages. An Indiana consumer protection attorney can help evaluate your claim. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Solar installations in Indiana may be subject to home improvement contracting requirements. Indiana requires certain contractors to be properly registered or licensed. If the solar company's installers were not properly credentialed, this may provide additional grounds for relief.
If your solar agreement involves financing, TILA provides additional protections including potential rescission rights within 3 years if proper disclosures were not provided.
Need help understanding your rights under Indiana law? Get a free preliminary contract review.
Indiana's net metering landscape has undergone dramatic changes. Senate Enrolled Act 309 (2017) began the phase-out of traditional retail-rate net metering. This is one of the most critical issues for Indiana solar consumers:
This transition is the single most important factor in Indiana solar economics. If the solar company presented savings projections based on retail-rate net metering when the new, lower rate was already in effect or pending, the projected savings may have been significantly overstated.
The IURC regulates Indiana's investor-owned utilities and has jurisdiction over net metering, interconnection, and rate structures:
Indiana has a solar easement statute (IC 32-23-4) that allows property owners to create solar easements to protect access to sunlight. However, Indiana does not have a broad statewide law preventing HOAs from restricting solar installations. HOA covenants may vary — check your specific community's rules.
Indiana provides a property tax deduction for solar energy systems under IC 6-1.1-12-26. The deduction generally equals the assessed value of the system for a period of years. If the solar company made inaccurate property tax claims, this could support a consumer protection claim.
This is the most critical issue for Indiana solar consumers. Many homeowners report that savings projections were based on the previous retail-rate net metering structure, even after Indiana began transitioning to lower compensation rates under SEA 309. If the solar company used retail-rate net metering assumptions when lower rates were already in effect or clearly forthcoming, the projected savings may have been dramatically overstated. This type of misrepresentation may be actionable under the DCSA.
Indiana has moderate solar resources with significant seasonal variation — shorter, cloudier winter days can substantially reduce production compared to summer. If projections failed to accurately account for Indiana's climate, the savings shortfall may be compounded by the net metering rate changes.
The Indianapolis metropolitan area, including Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Greenwood, has seen significant door-to-door solar sales activity. Common complaints include high-pressure tactics, verbal promises about savings that aren't in the contract, and failure to disclose the net metering rate transition.
For Indiana homeowners with solar leases or PPAs, escalator clauses can compound the impact of reduced net metering compensation. As your solar payment increases annually while your compensation for excess generation decreases, the financial benefit erodes from both directions. If this compound effect was not disclosed, it may support a claim.
Important: We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Missed payments can damage your credit and may result in additional legal liability. Continue making payments while exploring your exit options.
Consult an Indiana attorney about potential claims. Common bases in Indiana include:
Your attorney will send a demand letter. The potential for treble damages under the DCSA for knowing violations creates strong incentive for companies to negotiate.
Compare solar cancellation companies →
Indiana-specific tip: Indiana's net metering transition under SEA 309 has created one of the most common bases for solar consumer protection claims in the state. If your savings projections assumed retail-rate net metering but your system was interconnected under the new, lower rate, the financial impact can be substantial. Document the projected vs. actual net metering compensation carefully — this comparison is often central to Indiana solar contract disputes.
Stuck in a solar contract in Indiana? Get a free preliminary contract review.
Phone: (317) 232-6330 or (800) 382-5516
Online complaint: File a complaint at in.gov/attorneygeneral
Mail: Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, 302 W. Washington Street, 5th Floor, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-2701 or (800) 851-4268
Online: in.gov/iurc
Jurisdiction: Oversees regulated utilities, net metering transition, interconnection, and rate structures
Online: bbb.org
Phone: (317) 639-5465 or (800) 266-2581
Online: inbar.org
Under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule, you generally have 3 business days to cancel a home solicitation sale. If the company failed to provide required notices, the window may extend. After the cooling-off period, you may have exit options through DCSA claims. Full cancellation guide →
Indiana has been transitioning away from retail-rate net metering under SEA 309. New customers may receive below-retail compensation. Existing customers may be grandfathered for a limited period. Check with your utility for current terms.
If the company engaged in deceptive acts — such as using outdated net metering rates — you may have grounds under the DCSA. Remedies include actual damages, treble damages for knowing violations, and attorney's fees. Find a solar panel lawyer →
SEA 309 (2017) began the phase-out of retail-rate net metering. If your savings projections assumed retail-rate credits but you receive lower compensation, actual savings may be significantly less. This discrepancy could support a consumer protection claim.
If actual savings are significantly less than projected — especially due to the net metering transition — document the discrepancy between projected vs. actual savings and net metering rates assumed. Consult an attorney about a potential DCSA claim.
Yes, Indiana provides a property tax deduction for solar systems under IC 6-1.1-12-26. The deduction generally equals the assessed value of the system for a period of years.
Get a free preliminary contract review to understand your options under Indiana law.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and this information may not reflect the most current legal developments. Results vary by individual situation, contract terms, and applicable laws. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. Always consult a qualified Indiana attorney before taking legal action. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.