Choosing the right solar installation company is probably the most important decision in your solar panel investment. It can be overwhelming when you’re looking for the best solar installer in Ohio.
How do you know you’re choosing the right solar company? Like any other industry, the solar industry has its fair share of fast-talking salespeople, high-pressure tactics, and inflated performance claims.
So, we created an honest list of the best solar companies in Ohio that is based on several different factors. We wanted a brutally honest top ten because you, as a consumer, deserve to trust where your money goes.
Note: ZERO of these companies paid us to be on this list. This list is our unbiased take on the best solar companies in Ohio.
Best Residential Solar Companies in Ohio
Ohio Power Solutions
Ecohouse Solar
Paradise Energy Solutions
Third Sun Solar
Solar Is Freedom
Better Together Solar
Appalachian Renewable Power Systems
SolarMax
Blue Raven Solar
OGW Energy Resources
How We Calculated the Top Solar Installers
We combed the web and did a deep dive into all the Ohio solar companies. We read and averaged reviews from multiple websites, dug up warranties, accreditations, financing options, product options, experience, employee satisfaction, and more.
We looked at the following factors:
Reviews
Do they have NABCEP accreditation?
Do they have BBB accreditation?
How do their warranties look?
Do they offer financing options?
Do they offer product options?
Do they use quality products?
How long have they been in business?
How many customers have they serviced?
How many solar systems have they installed?
How many employees do they have?
How is their employee satisfaction?
Company website
How to Choose the Top Solar Installer
Read up on the solar installer’s reviews and client testimonials
Find out about the warranties offered
Check the solar installer’s credentials and accreditations
Ask for the turnaround time
Look for a customized solar power system
Decide whether you want a national or local solar installation company.
Get multiple quotes. Get a quote from at least 3 solar companies.
Ohio Solar Energy Incentives
Federal ITC Ohio residents installing solar energy systems can take advantage of the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your total income tax liability. If your solar project costs $10,000, you could claim a $3,000 credit on the federal taxes you owe. The tax credit carries forward multiple years in case your federal tax liability is low.
Other solar financial incentives to look for (not available in every state):
State tax credits
Net metering
SRECs – Solar Renewable Energy Certificates
Utility companies sometimes offer incentives
City and county-level incentives
Tax exemptions – sales and property value increase
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Ohio?
The average cost of a 5kW solar panel system in Ohio is $13,600, and $10,064 after the federal tax credit.
Average payback period: 9 years
Average 20-year savings: $28,850
Factors that determine your total cost
- Size of the system
- Equipment
- Solar installation company
- Solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates
- Solar financing options
- Payback period
- Electricity rates in OH
- Roof condition
- Costs by city
- Home value increase
Ohio Solar Energy Facts
- Solar Installed (MW): 916
- Enough Solar Installed to Power: 109,933 homes
- National Ranking: 26th (18th in 2021)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 0.9%
- Solar Jobs in OH: 7,411
Data current through Q3 2022
Source: seia.org
