Blueraven was the most popular solar company among respondents in Ohio, according to our 2024 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
Thanks to a strong Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and the notable demand for solar panels, the number of solar companies in the state keeps rising. With over 69 solar installation companies serving Ohio’s population, its residents have plenty of choices. Some of the best solar companies in Ohio are SunPower, Blue Raven and Palmetto.
The Guides Home Team shortlisted the above companies after extensive surveys and discussions with solar installation and manufacturing companies as well as experts in the solar industry. Additionally, we also use a detailed methodology to review each provider based on numerous parameters.
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE |
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE |
What To Look for in a Solar Company
Choosing a solar provider is something most homeowners don’t have experience with, which is why they can be unsure about what to look for when making a choice. Below are a few factors that can help decide if a solar provider is right for you.
Despite the huge decline in solar prices over the years, a solar power system can still cost a significant amount of money. This makes pricing an important criterion when choosing a solar installation company.Based on factors such as company reputation, equipment offered, warranties and more, different solar installers can quote drastically different prices for a system. And while the cheapest system may not be the most reliable one in the long term, a good choice would be an installer who offers quality equipment and long warranties for a reasonable price tag.
Solar panel systems should last 25 or more years, which means you need a trustworthy installer with high standards of installation quality as well as reliable post-installation service.A good way to figure out if a solar company is trustworthy is to check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings as well as customer reviews on other platforms. You can also verify if they are certified by an organization like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
A solar power system is just one way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce power costs. There are several other home improvement options you may need, such as battery installation, a heat pump, LED lighting or even EV charging. In some cases, homeowners even need roofing or tree removal services before going solar. Experienced solar power companies typically offer more than one service, making the energy independence journey easier for homeowners.
Top 3 Solar Companies in Ohio of 2023
- SunPower: Our pick for most experience
- Blue Raven: Our pick for financing
- Palmetto: Our pick for protection plans
Our Recommendation
Despite not being a leading state for solar power, Ohio is blessed with a large number of solar installers serving its residents. If you want an experienced company that is both a manufacturer and installer, Blue Raven is a great choice. If you’re interested in flexible financing options, then you may want to go with Palmetto.
When finalizing a solar company, it is wise to request free quotes from multiple installers and compare them based on several parameters such as cost, warranties, equipment and any additional service you might be looking for.
Compare Ohio Solar Companies
The cost of a solar power system in Ohio ranges from $2.5/W to $3/W. This means a typical 5 kW system in the Buckeye State costs between $12,500 and $15,000. This is slightly lower than the average cost of solar in the country. Below are the pricing details of the best solar energy companies in the state.
Provider | Our Score | Cost | Years of Experience | BBB Rating | Financing Options |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SunPower | 4.8/5 | $24,000–$36,000 | 38 | A+ | Cash, loan, lease or PPA |
Palmetto | 4.7/5 | $20,000–$25,000 | 7 | A+ | Cash or loan |
Blue Raven | 4.4/5 | $20,000–$25,000 | 8 | A | Cash, loan or lease |
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary.
Benefits of Going Solar in Ohio
Ohio may not be one of the sunniest states in the country, but that does not stop it from being an excellent place to go solar. Below are a few advantages of going solar in Ohio.
- Electricity bill savings: The biggest benefit of installing solar panels on your home is the significant reduction in electricity bills. Solar panels can offset up to 100% of your grid power consumption, saving you thousands in power costs over the years.
- Protection against rising power prices: In the U.S., as well as worldwide, utility costs have consistently gone up, and they are expected to keep climbing. Additionally, global factors such as wars or pandemics can impact electricity rates further. A solar power system relies on the sun for energy, allowing you to power your home with clean, free energy and no price fluctuations, securing you against future power cost rises.
- Improves property value: Besides contributing to sustainability, solar also helps improve your home value. Several studies have shown that homes with solar power systems sell for a higher price compared to similar homes without solar.
- Environmental benefits: Each kWh generated from fossil sources generates over 2 pounds of carbon emissions. A typical home solar system generates thousands of kWh over its lifetime, preventing several tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere. A majority of Ohio’s energy currently comes from coal. Switching to solar power can fulfill your energy needs while also reducing fossil fuel usage.
- Security against blackouts: Homes with solar panels and a battery can potentially keep running through several days of power outages. Ohio has some of the highest power outages in the country, and customers with solar + battery systems can add resilience to their homes against blackouts.
Ohio Solar Incentives
Thanks to Ohio’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), the state has several helpful incentives for solar customers. Combining the federal, state and local incentives, homeowners can save thousands of dollars on their solar panel systems. Below is an overview of Ohio’s solar incentives.
Federal Incentives
The most valuable federal incentive in Ohio as well as nationwide is the federal solar tax credit. Also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the rebate allows solar panel owners to deduct 30% of their system’s cost from their subsequent year’s income taxes. Effectively, the federal tax credit reduces the net cost of the system to 70% of the quoted price.
State-Wide Incentives
Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | Varies | Homeowners will be awarded a certain amount for each MWh generated by their solar panels. |
Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) | Varies | Solar panel customers can receive up to a 3% reduction on interest rates when financing their system. |
Qualified Energy Project Tax Exemption | Varies | Exempts owners of solar energy systems from the public utility tangible personal property tax. |
Net Metering | N/A | Owners of solar power systems can send excess power into the grid and earn energy credits for them at the full retail rate of energy. All of Ohio’s utility companies currently support net metering. |
Ohio Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing | N/A | Commercial Property Owners can borrow a PACE loan for up to 100% of system cost for a tenure of up to 30 years. |
Local Incentives
Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
City of Cincinnati Property Tax Abatement | Varies | Cincinnati residents with solar power systems are exempt from property tax increases from the investment for 15 years. |
City of Cleveland Residential Property Tax Abatement | Varies | Cleveland residents with solar power systems are exempt from property tax increases from the investment for 15 years. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Ohio
Ohio residents can save a substantial amount of money over the lifetime of their system. For most people, this makes going solar worth it in Ohio. This is true for Ohioans living in urban areas such as Columbus or Cleveland, as well as those living in more rural areas.
A solar power system in Ohio costs $2.50 to $3 per watt of installed capacity. Therefore, a typical 5 kW system in Ohio will cost between $12,500 and $15,000.
Ohio has a large number of solar installers operating in the state. While it is difficult to choose a single company as the best, some of the best solar companies in Ohio are SunPower, Palmetto Solar and Blue Raven. Other noteworthy installers include Third Sun solar, Paradise Energy Solutions, Ecohouse Solar, and YellowLite Solar.
Ohio residents can enjoy several benefits of going solar, such as lowered energy bills, greater energy security, improved property value and a reduced carbon footprint.