15 Best Solar Companies in Columbus, MI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Columbus based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Columbus, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbus homeowner saves $1,350/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbus
Hoping to go solar but still deciding on which company would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be challenging to pick a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many good perks. While solar panels are a large investment, you’ll be able to make that money back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $16,000 over 20 years.
Here, we’ll make a list of some of the top solar companies in Columbus to make your choice much easier.To get free quotes from the top solar companies in Columbus, click the "get quote" 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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbus
Strawberry Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
The Green Panel
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- EV Charger
- Tesla Powerwall
- Solar Carports
Solar On Inc
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Maintenance
Orange Cell Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Solar Roof Assessment
- Financing Assistance
- Emergency Services
- Battery Storage
Oak Electric Service, Inc.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Emergency Services
- Battery Storage
- EV Charger
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
- Tesla Powerwall
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Maintenance
North Coast Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Solar Solutions of America Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
SunLiving Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
Motor Capital Solar Solutions
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Consultation
- Maintenance
GreenLancer
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Consultation
- Residential Panels
- Permit Assistance
Ease Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
Water Winter Solar Installers Co
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Maintenance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
Modern Mill Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Solar Energy Detroit
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance
- Battery Storage
- Full-Service
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Consultation
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 Michigan 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
For most homeowners, whether or not to invest in solar panels boils down to the cost.The installation cost is just one important factor you should keep in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you lower your taxes by 0 of the project cost. Your state and city may also have various incentives that you can use. In addition, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Columbus uses a decent amount of, and consequently may save on their energy bills.
- The amount of sunlight your home gets: Because of Columbus’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your power bills.
- Your household's power bills: With fairly high monthly electric bills in Columbus, you could save about $1,400 a year with solar.
As a result of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a solid investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Columbus
There are many reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them involves some government incentives you can take advantage of.Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 0 of how much you paid for your solar installation when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbus
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.But – how much exactly can you help the environment by going solar? The more power your family uses, the the more the environment will benefit from you switching to solar since you won’t need to burn as many fossil fuels.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The benefits of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Columbus residents have been happy with committing to solar.
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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Columbus, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in Columbus?
The top local solar company in Columbus is Strawberry Solar, with a rating of 4.60 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
The advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, 100% cut your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and bring down your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be expensive to install, you may not save a lot if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels require a considerable upfront investment that will cost you several thousands of dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How efficient are solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less 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.