Despite Ohio‘s cold winters and frequently overcast skies, installing solar panels can still pay off for many homeowners in the state thanks to ample solar incentives, net metering policies, and the declining costs of solar technology. By switching to solar power, Ohioans can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, shrink their carbon footprint, and slash their electricity bills over the long run.
To help you find the best fit while maximizing savings, here is an overview of six highly-rated solar companies serving customers across Ohio.
1. Blue Raven Solar
Founded in 2014 in Utah, Blue Raven Solar has rapidly expanded into new markets and now operates in several states including Ohio. The company offers below-market pricing thanks to its large size and economies of scale. Blue Raven‘s in-house installation teams also finish projects faster than many competitors.
However, Blue Raven focuses exclusively on solar panel installation and does not provide other services like solar battery storage or electric vehicle chargers. Their production guarantee only lasts 2 years, but equipment does come with a 20-year warranty on parts and 10 years on labor.
For flexible financing, Blue Raven offers programs like BluePower+ to purchase solar with an 18 month interest-free loan.
Key perks: Competitive pricing, quick installations, flexible loan options
Considerations: Short production guarantee, limited services beyond solar panel installation
2. SunPower
Founded in 1985 in California, SunPower is one of the most established and reputable solar companies nationwide. Unlike some installers that outsource to subcontractors, SunPower employs its own team of experts to handle installations across Ohio.
The company offers premium-grade solar panels designed and produced by its subsidiary Maxeon. These panels come with a 25-year warranty, matching SunPower‘s 25-year craftsmanship warranty on installations. Besides solar panels, the company also installs other green energy technologies like electric vehicle chargers and home solar battery storage.
One downside is that while SunPower‘s staff manage sales and system design, independent contractor crews handle much of the actual installation work. Be sure to vet installers thoroughly.
Key perks: Industry leader, 25-year craftsmanship warranty, diverse products
Considerations: Contractors perform installations, premium pricing
3. Ohio Power Solutions
Ohio Power Solutions is a locally-owned small business operating throughout central Ohio. Run by the Palmer family, the company manages solar projects from sale to installation to activation entirely in-house without any subcontractors.
The team at Ohio Power Solutions have installed over 1,500 solar systems in the state. Their work is backed by a 15-year warranty on labor and materials. For equipment, they offer high-efficiency solar panels from brands like Silfab and Q Cell that come with 25+ year manufacturer warranties.
Key perks: Local business, handles everything in-house, 15-year system warranty
Considerations: Mostly serves central Ohio
4. YellowLite
In business since 2009, YellowLite stands out for its solar design experience, high-quality equipment, and certified installation crews. The company provides free solar assessments to help customers determine the optimal system size and equipment for their needs and budget.
Installers only use products from top brands like LG, SunPower, and Tesla. YellowLite also exclusively works with fully-credentialed electricians and technicians to ensure code compliance. On top of manufacturers‘ equipment warranties, the company offers a 10-year guarantee on workmanship.
One downside is that purchase options are limited to loans or cash payments. However, YellowLite can help homeowners finance systems through its solar loan partners.
Key perks: Free evaluations, name-brand products, certified installers
Considerations: No leases or PPAs, mostly serves northeast Ohio
5. Paradise Energy Solutions
Headquartered in Pennsylvania, Paradise Energy Solutions operates offices across several Northeastern states including Ohio. The company earns outstanding reviews for its customer service and the quality of its installations.
While Paradise focuses specifically on solar panel and battery installation and does not provide other ancillary services, the team helps customers optimize and customize systems to match their usage needs.
Backed by equipment warranties spanning 25-30 years and a 10-year guarantee on workmanship, Paradise‘s warranties exceed what many competitors offer.
Key perks: Great reviews, tailors systems to usage, strong equipment and labor warranties
Considerations: Limited to solar and battery installation
6. ADT Solar
In addition to its well-known home security systems, ADT also offers solar panel and battery installation through its ADT Solar division, launched in 2011. The company installs systems across 24 states including Ohio.
Unlike some large national solar chains that outsource to subcontractors, ADT Solar manages the full process in-house with its own solar experts. Equipment comes with a 25-year manufacturer‘s warranty, and the company guaranties its installations for 25 years. ADT Solar also price matches competitors‘ quotes.
For products, ADT Solar installs solar equipment from top brands like Enphase microinverters and Tesla Powerwall batteries which come with 25-year manufacturer warranties.
Key perks: Experience of major brand, in-house installs, 25-year labor warranty, price match guarantee
Considerations: Premium pricing
How to Save on Solar in Ohio
Beyond picking the right installation company, there are a few other ways Ohio homeowners can reduce the costs of going solar:
Federal and State Incentives
The federal solar tax credit offers a generous 26% credit for systems installed through 2032. Ohio also provides state incentives like the ECO-Link loan program.
Net Metering
Under net metering, excess solar energy fed back to the grid earns bill credits. This helps solar customers maximize savings.
Property Tax Exemption
Ohio offers a qualified energy property tax exemption for locally-assessed solar projects.
Comparison Shopping
Researching multiple solar providers helps homeowners find the best deal. Some companies also price match.
What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company
With so many installation companies to choose from, it helps to focus on a few key factors:
Experience and Qualifications
Opt for an established company with depth of experience, and advanced certifications from organizations like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Reviews and Reputation
Solar reviews provide transparency into customer service, work quality, expertise and more. Steer clear of companies with concerning complaints.
Services Offered
Some solar providers are full-service, while others focus strictly on panel installation. Choose based on what you require.
Warranties and Guarantees
Longer craftsmanship and production guarantees offer more protection in the event issues arise. 25 years is standard.
Cost
While cost shouldn‘t be the only deciding factor, declining solar costs makes paying less more possible than ever.
Is Solar Worth it in Ohio?
Solar panels can still pay off in Ohio despite its northern climate thanks to improving solar technology and favorable state policies.
On average, solar systems in the state have a payback period of 6 to 7 years. After this break-even point, Ohio solar customers can reap over a decade of electricity savings.
Lower solar panel prices coupled with tax credits cuts costs further. Then incentives like net metering increase savings over your system‘s 25+ year lifespan.
So for many Ohio households, going solar offers an environmentally-friendly path to energy independence that saves money. Working with one of Ohio‘s top-ranked solar installers streamlines the transition while maximizing your return.
| Solar Company | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Blue Raven Solar | Below-average pricing, quick installation, flexible financing options |
| SunPower | Strong reputation, 25-year craftsmanship warranty, installs EV chargers, solar panels, and batteries |
| Ohio Power Solutions | Family-run business, 15-year warranty on installation, handles entire process internally |
| YellowLite | Free consultation, certified technicians, 10-year quality-of-work warranty |
| Paradise Energy Solutions | Excellent customer service, customizable systems, strong warranties |
| ADT Solar | 25-year manufacturer warranty, price-match promise, high-quality products |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth going solar in Ohio?
Yes, with the right solar company and favorable state policies, installing solar in Ohio can yield significant long-term savings.
Can you sell excess energy back to the grid in Ohio?
Yes. Through net metering, Ohio solar customers get bill credits for surplus energy added to the grid.
