Ohio Solar Incentives (Rebates, Tax Credits & More in 2023)
By Karsten Neumeister /
In this guide to Ohio’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
Each product and or company featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Ohio is ranked 25th in the nation for solar, generating only 0.0091% of its electricity from solar energy.1 In 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reduced the state’s goal to produce 12.5% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2026 down to 8.5%.2
Despite these setbacks, Ohio’s solar industry continues to grow. Large expanses of flat, inexpensive land and demand from companies hoping to achieve clean energy goals make Ohio a “solar hotbed.”3
The price of solar has fallen in Ohio by 43% in the last five years, and in the next five years, the state is expected to install an additional 1,023 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity.4 Meaning that getting solar panels and energy in Ohio has never been easier. Solar has experienced an explosion in popularity nationwide, and the outlook on solar power is still bright in the Buckeye State.
If you’re a homeowner in Ohio who wants to reduce your carbon footprint and save on electric bills by converting to solar energy, it’s important to choose a provider that’s right for you. To help you decide, we’ve researched and compiled our recommendations for the top solar companies in Ohio.
Regional Service
Average cost
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YellowLite acknowledges that 39% of Ohio’s energy generation comes from coal, while only 3% of the state’s electricity comes from renewable sources.5 With over 1,000 installations already under its belt, YellowLite hopes to change these statistics and help the Ohio solar market continue to grow.6
YellowLite operates throughout the Northeast U.S., with its main Ohio office in Cleveland.
We like YellowLite because it offers a wide selection of solar products and services, so you can fully customize your renewable energy system to meet your needs. YellowLite is a full-service solar company that will help you every step of the way, from your initial site evaluation to system design, permitting, inspection and meter installation.
YellowLite offers various best solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and equipment brands, including:
While YellowLite offers a 25- to 30-year warranty on equipment (depending on the brand), it only offers a 10-year guarantee on labor.
EcoWatch Rating |
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, System Monitoring, General Contracting, Maintenance & Repairs |
Regional Service
Average cost
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Paradise Energy Solutions has several locations throughout the Northeast, with an office conveniently located in Sugarcreek, Ohio. The company has outstanding customer service reviews, and its Ohio location has near 5-star ratings across review platforms like Google and Facebook.
Paradise Energy Solutions has an entire Ohio-based team, so you can feel confident that everyone you work with, including solar consultants, technicians and installers, is familiar with the climate and needs of customers in the state.
The company carries a variety of solar panels, solar battery brands and inverters to provide you with customization options for your system.
Paradise Energy Solutions only specializes in solar and battery installations and panel removal and reinstallation, so its services are slightly limited compared to other companies on our list.
But overall, Paradise Energy Solutions offers attentive service and robust warranties that include 25 to 30 years of coverage on equipment and a 10-year workmanship and production warranty.
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
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Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
Local Service
Average cost
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Ohio Power Solutions is a family-owned and -operated business located right outside Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Power Solutions is proud of its top-notch customer service and completes all its installations in-house, never using a third-party contractor.
Ohio Power Solutions has over 13 years of experience servicing Ohio and offers the personal care that you would expect from a locally owned solar installer. Its services also go beyond just solar — the company also offers general contracting, electrical work and wind power installations.
With a wide offering of services and brands and perfect 5-star ratings on Google and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Ohio Power Solutions is a great option if you want to go solar in Ohio.
Ohio Power Solutions only offers a 15-year workmanship warranty, whereas some of its competitors offer up to 25 years of coverage. However, warranties are individualized based on equipment brand and type, so you can discuss your options with a representative.
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, General Contracting, Generators, Electrical Work |
Regional Service
Average cost
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Icon Solar started operating in Ohio in 2009 and has since expanded to Indiana and Kentucky. Icon Solar promises to handle every step of the solar conversion process — from designing and installing your solar panel system to applying for incentives and securing the proper permits.
Icon Solar has long focused on its relationships with local utility companies and permitting jurisdictions, making the installation process easier for you. Because Icon Solar is locally based and has over a decade of experience in Ohio, it has expertise in the local climate. Icon Solar understands the risk of roof leaks in Ohio and provides a warranty specifically for this issue. It also includes product and labor warranties for additional peace of mind.
Icon Solar offers a selection of services — including solar panel system installation and energy-efficient upgrades — and additional products like solar batteries, including the sought-after Tesla Powerwall. It also carries a wide selection of brands to help you find a system that suits your needs and budget.
We also like how Icon Solar reflects its commitment to sustainability through its membership in the Green Umbrella Regional Sustainability Alliance.
Although we don’t normally recommend solar leases, it’s important to note that Icon Solar does not offer leases or PPAs.
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
Pros
Cons
SunPower is a large national solar company that manufactures its own panels through its sister company, Maxeon. SunPower does not have an office in Ohio, but there are several authorized SunPower dealers in the state, including YellowLite and Solar Energy Solutions.
While SunPower’s products are available in Ohio, installation and maintenance are performed by technicians at authorized SunPower dealers, not employees of SunPower. Because of this, customer service can vary, so always research the local company you hire to install your SunPower products.
SunPower offers an excellent 25-year all-inclusive warranty, one of the best in the industry. It also offers a standard variety of services, including solar panels, batteries and electric vehicle chargers.
Read our full review of SunPower here. If you’re ready to get started, find the closest SunPower authorized dealer near you and request a quote.
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
5 |
A+ |
1985 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
SunPower Panels |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Pros
Cons
Blue Raven is another national company that has thousands of positive customer reviews online. Its location in Columbus, Ohio is no exception, earning 4.4 stars with nearly 350 reviews on Google.
Blue Raven is a large company, so you can benefit from below-average pricing and quick installation times. Since Blue Raven completes its installations with an in-house team in Ohio, you’ll also receive the attentive customer service you’d expect from a local company.
Currently, the only solar service that Blue Raven provides is panel installations. The company doesn’t offer other home energy efficiency or renewable energy projects.
Another downside is that its 2-year production guarantee is relatively short. However, all equipment is still covered with a 20-year warranty on parts and a 10-year labor warranty.
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Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
4.5 |
A+ |
2014 |
$$ |
Solar Panels, System Monitoring |
Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower |
25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee |
The average cost of going solar in Ohio is about $2.56 per watt of solar energy, slightly cheaper than the U.S. average of $2.66 per watt. Given that the average homeowner in Ohio needs a 9-kilowatt (kW) system to offset their monthly energy bills, a typical solar array costs around $23,040 in the Buckeye State.
After the 30% federal solar tax credit has been considered, the average cost of solar panels in Ohio is $16,128.
Solar panels aren’t cheap, but there are plenty of ways to bring your total cost down. Below is a list of our top tips for saving money when hiring a solar company in Ohio.
Although solar panels are expensive, there are plenty of solar incentives and rebates in Ohio that can bring down the cost of your solar energy system.
The table below outlines the top incentives available in Ohio, along with a description of each.
Ohio Solar Incentive | Description |
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal tax credit is available to all Ohio residents and amounts to 30% of your total solar system cost.7 In Ohio, where the average system price is around $23,040, the typical credit is $6,912. This amount is credited to your federal income taxes owed for the year your system is installed and commissioned, so it’s not an immediate payback. |
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | Ohio incentivizes homeowners to convert to solar power by offering solar renewable energy credits (SRECs). You can earn SRECs for all energy your system generates, then you can sell them for a profit.8 |
Solar Sales Tax Exemption | A tax exemption that prevents Ohio homeowners from having to pay the state’s typical 5.75% sales tax on solar equipment. |
Net Energy Metering (NEM) | A billing policy available to Ohio homeowners to help offset energy costs. Credits you for the excess energy your panels produce, and you can use those credits to pay down future electricity bills.9 |
Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program | The ECO-Link Program was established to help make solar energy financing more affordable to Ohio homeowners. The program provides up to a 3% interest rate reduction for solar loans for up to seven years, with some minor eligibility restrictions.10 |
Solar panel systems can be very complex, and each home has unique needs when it comes to investing in clean energy. That’s why we strongly recommend doing your own research and getting several quotes from local experts before choosing an installer.
To start, you should have an understanding of your home energy needs so you can choose the correct size solar panel system for your roof. Although Ohio has a net metering program, you still don’t want your solar panels to produce significantly more energy than your home requires.
Other factors, including your roof orientation, shading and size can influence the type and brand of solar panels you install.
It’s important to discuss your options with a trusted professional. Get several quotes from solar professionals in your area, and ask for a breakdown of costs. Ask for their professional opinion on the type and size of the solar system you’ll need, and why they believe these selections would be best for your home.
Just because a quote is cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best deal. If you research solar companies in your area and get an idea of their product offerings and customer service, you can make an informed decision when hiring a solar professional.
To maximize your energy savings when you go solar, your best option is to pay for your solar panel system in cash upfront. However, we understand that this is not a realistic option for most homeowners.
There are other financing options available if you can’t afford to pay for your entire solar array at once. You can still achieve significant energy savings when you finance your solar panels. But if you choose a solar loan, what you pay in interest will be an additional cost you wouldn’t pay if you bought your panels in cash.
That’s why we recommend putting as much money down on your solar panels as possible. So you can minimize your interest payments and pay off your solar panels faster.
If you aren’t financially able to pay more each month or put more money down, don’t get discouraged. In most cases, you’ll still be saving much more on electricity costs in the long run just by converting to solar.
Zillow estimates that a home with solar panels is worth 4.1% more on average than a home without solar panels. The average home in Ohio is worth $216,875, so that’s a potential $8,482 in added value.11
Ohio has an “overwhelming demand” for solar panels, so much so that permitting and approval for solar projects can be slow.12 As demand for solar panels steadily increases in Ohio, homes with solar panels will be more desirable, and potentially sell for higher prices.
Although Ohio ranks 25th in the country for solar, it also ranks 14th in projected new solar capacity in the next five years, meaning that solar installations are expected to increase in the state.13 That’s good news for people looking to sell their homes with solar panels.
If you want your solar panels to generate enough energy to power your entire home and offset electricity rates, we strongly recommend hiring a professional solar installation company. On the other hand, if you only need to power small appliances, an RV or a boat with solar panels, it may be simpler to DIY and install your own solar panels.
Labor costs generally make up 10% of the total cost of your solar installation, so given the average cost of $23,040 for solar panels in Ohio, you could save around $2,304 on your DIY home solar project. The more costly part of solar panels is the equipment itself- opting for a cheaper brand or solar panel would be better for savings than cutting corners on labor.
However, there are risks associated with installing solar panels on your roof yourself. An incorrect installation could lead to trouble down the road and potentially wipe out any savings you accrued by self-installation.
We only suggest installing solar panels yourself if:
If one or more of the above qualifications do not apply to you, we believe you’re better off going with a professional.
When we selected our top most reputable solar companies nationwide and in Ohio, we evaluated factors we believe every homeowner should consider when choosing a solar provider.
When you choose a solar installer in Ohio, you should hire a professional that:
Ohio does not require a dedicated solar license to install solar panels. However, your installer may need either a state contractor electrician or an HVAC license, depending on the type of solar project.14
Check with your local building department about solar licensing requirements. The state does not have jurisdiction over residential buildings, only commercial ones, so regulations will vary by locality.15
Although it’s not required in Ohio, a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) or the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) is a positive sign when considering a solar installer.16
Customer service can be the difference between a great solar installation experience and a miserable one. That’s why customer service is one of the most influential factors we considered when ranking solar companies in Ohio. Ideally, your solar company will:
You’re probably asking: But how do I know if a company will offer exceptional customer service? That’s when research comes in. Before you commit to a solar company, always check trusted review sites where customers can leave honest reviews and communicate with one another, including reputable sites like the BBB or TrustPilot.
All of our top-ranked companies install solar panels, but if you want additional solar technology like EV chargers or solar batteries, you’ll have to be a little more selective when choosing a provider.
Additionally, make sure your solar company offers the equipment you want if you have a specific brand in mind — like SunPower’s highly-efficient Maxeon solar panels, for example.
If you don’t know the exact products you want yet, talking to a local professional is a good starting point. Reputable providers can talk you through your options, the pros and cons of solar and ultimately help you match with the best renewable energy option for you. If you’d like to get started with your project, you can select one of our top-rated solar panel companies in Ohio below for a free, no-obligation consultation and quote.
When we rank our top reputable solar companies, we start by identifying the factors that matter most when ensuring that our readers find a trustworthy, reliable and environmentally responsible installation. We’ve listed those factors as categories below. We then weigh these factors against the industry benchmark (a company meeting the industry standard in all categories would earn 4 stars in our rating system).
Our goal is to deliver unbiased reports and honest reviews, thus, our methodology is not affected by commercial partnerships and is specifically tailored to homes in Ohio.
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers: in-house installations, energy storage systems (solar batteries) and home-efficiency audits or upgrades. A company can earn bonus points if it offers additional services that we don’t consider essential, including electric vehicle chargers, home thermostats, solar shingles, etc. The industry standard that we measure against includes solar panel and battery backup installations only.
In Ohio, YellowLite, Ohio Power Solutions and SunPower all go above and beyond in this category, offering additional services beyond rooftop solar installations.
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it is: NABCEP-certified, has a minimum of four stars over its last 100 reviews on Google, an A+ with the BBB and 4 or more stars on Glassdoor to reflect employee satisfaction and low turnover rate. We give bonus points for additional certifications, such as LEED or certification with the Building Performance Institute (BPI). We flag a company for further review if it has any track record of lawsuits or customer rights violations. We select only the most reputable solar companies to show to users- no scammers on our watch.
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 warranties.
In Ohio, we rank YellowLite and Paradise Energy Solutions high on warranties because their offerings meet or exceed industry standards. On the other hand, we docked points from Ohio Power Solutions because it only offers a 15-year workmanship warranty, lower than the industry standard of 25 years.
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers multiple financing options, including in-house options in addition to partner organizations. As many solar companies choose not to offer leases and PPAs in the interest of consumer well-being, we do not dock points for companies that don’t offer them.
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it has 10+ years of experience installing solar. The industry standard that we measure against is at least five years of experience.
Ohio Power Solutions is the most experienced solar company in Ohio on our list, so it earns a perfect score in this category.
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers services in the majority of Ohio. Almost all of our top-ranked companies in Ohio operate throughout the entire state, so scores in this category are high across the board.
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.
We get a lot of questions about installing solar energy systems from Ohio homeowners. Below are some of the most common questions we see along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Based on our in-depth review, we have identified YellowLite as the most reputable solar company in Ohio.
YellowLite is a regional solar installer that provides outstanding local customer service and excellent response times. It’s known for great communication before, during and after installation; high-quality products and a broad range of services. YellowLite also offers some of the best warranties in the area.
Our EcoWatch Rating is an internal score we assign to companies based on a number of criteria. We take into account all of the factors mentioned above, plus many others, and weigh them based on their importance to homeowners in Ohio.
The result is a single score that gives you a snapshot of a company’s reputation, ability to meet or exceed customer expectations, pricing, the value provided, services and products offered and more.
It certainly does! Good Solar panels might all look similar, but they vary quite a bit from brand to brand.
The energy efficiency of the panels you choose in Ohio is most important, as it determines how much you can take advantage of the state’s below-average sunlight to maximize your savings on your electric bills.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a solar installer in Ohio. The most important are price, value for the cost and warranty coverage. Price and value will determine how accessible the solar panel system is for you, how long you’ll be able to go without maintenance and how much sunlight you can take advantage of.
Ideally, you should also consider the equipment brands and services available, general company reputation, financing options and longevity in the industry.
Using our EcoWatch Rating, you can get an “at a glance” view of all of these factors and more.
The answer to this question depends on your expectations.
Smaller local companies usually provide better customer service and more customization options, including the design of the solar power system and the types of panels, inverters and batteries included in the setup. They also often have working relationships with permitting authorities and local utility companies and can sometimes expedite permits or connections to the grid for net metering.
On the other hand, larger national companies usually have better pricing because they buy PV equipment in bulk and often have better availability, too. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what your expectations are and choose based on your needs.
Comparing authorized solar partners
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