10 Best Solar Companies in Columbus, OH (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Columbus based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Columbus, OH
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbus homeowner saves $1,380/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbus
Hoping to go solar but not sure which solar panel installer would be best for your needs? Although it can be challenging to find a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many fantastic perks. Plus, the solar industry is thriving in Columbus, giving homeowners access to some of the best solar installers in the country.
In this article, we’ll let you in on the top Columbus solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home’s sustainable energy needs.Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected to a trusted solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbus
EcoHouse Solar
Free Quotes- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
Power Up Renewable Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
BC Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Lifetime Quality Solar Columbus
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
TGE Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Made2Serve Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Greentech Renewables Columbus
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
True North Heating Cooling Electric Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
Mh3 Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Village Solar Co
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbus
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbus based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Columbus
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Ohio solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Columbus
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your panels.There are several factors you should consider when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- How much electricity your home consumes: Households that use plenty of power each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, be more expensive, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can noticeably lower, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Columbus, you can save an average of $1,231 a month.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won’t be able to produce as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electricity bills than someone with a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the angle of your roof and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Columbus
If you’re planning on switching to solar energy, various government incentives and solar rebates can immensely reduce the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment.Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbus
One reason so many people are considering installing solar panels is to help lower their environmental impact.A question many might be thinking about is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? An important thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if your commute is very long, your footprint may be bigger, so switching to solar power for your house can help offset that.If you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar power is abundant and produces electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help preserve the planet.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Columbus, OH Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar installation company in Columbus?
In Columbus, EcoHouse Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your house.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How efficient are solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of energy from the sun that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them to meet your home's energy needs.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.