12 Best Solar Companies in Columbus, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Columbus based on:
-
Customer review scores - Solar installers near you
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best solar companies in Columbus
Are you looking for energy freedom in Columbus? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since you can take advantage of lots of benefits after adopting solar power. Due to Columbus' great level of sunshine on average, there are lots of solar companies to choose from.
In this article, we'll give you a list of the top Columbus solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home's clean energy needs. Interested in knowing how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Columbus solar installer.
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
Local Service
Strawberry Solar
-
More transparent pricing than competitors - Offers a free quote process
- Educational sales approach
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Commercial Solar Services - Solar Panels
Local Service
Oak Electric Service, Inc.
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Educational sales approach
- Family owned and operated
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
The Green Panel
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- Has an online quote form
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Fast Solar Company
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Panels
- Commercial Solar Services
Local Service
PowerPanel
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
GEM Energy
- Can browse portfolio on website
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
CRESIT Energy
- Educational sales approach
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Sesame Solar
- Educational sales approach
- Custom system designs
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Solar Source
- Educational sales approach
- Excellent reputation
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Nihil Ultra Corp
- Educational sales approach
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Local Service
GeoSmart Systems, LLC
- Educational sales approach
- Assists with maximizing rebate
- More transparent pricing than competitors
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Roof Shingles
- Solar Panels
Local Service
Sumpter Solar Services
- Educational sales approach
- Licensing and credentials transparency
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Batteries
- Commercial Solar Services
- Solar Panels
Solar Company Ranking Methodology
Click here to see a more detailed overview of our solar company ranking methodology.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Columbus
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs the most. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 30% of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- How much electricity your home consumes: Households that need a lot of power each month may call for more solar panels and, consequently, be more costly, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- How much energy costs for you: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Columbus, you can save an average of $84 a month on your electricity bills.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can make your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
If you're wondering how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Columbus, MI.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
Solar Incentives in Columbus
There are a lot of reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them includes some government incentives you can take advantage of. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbus
One of the best reasons to switch to solar power is to reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment. But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? Regardless of your location, you can help save the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that consume lots of energy will have a greater impact. When you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 100 pounds every year. For people who care about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 best solar installer in Columbus?
The best local solar company in Columbus is Strawberry Solar, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but frankly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the efficiency of 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 between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them for 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.