Top 6 Best Solar Companies in Ohio (2023 Reviews)

In this guide to Ohio’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including: 

  • What are the best solar installers in Ohio?
  • How did we choose and rank Ohio’s solar companies?
  • What should you look for when choosing a solar provider in Ohio?
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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.

What Are Ohio’s Top 6 Solar Energy Companies?

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.

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YellowLite

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Full-service home energy solutions

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty
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Paradise Energy Solutions

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Many years of experience
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Cons

  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs
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Ohio Power Solutions

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Locally owned and operated
  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Outstanding customer service

Cons

  • Slightly expensive
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty
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Icon Solar

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Many years of experience
  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Great warranty coverage

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
Badge icon

SunPower

Best National Provider

Nationwide Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer
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Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)

How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Ohio 

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.

  • Take advantage of local and federal solar incentives
  • Do your research and get several quotes
  • Put more money down or pay for your system in cash

Take Advantage of Local and Federal Solar Incentives

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

Do Your Research and Get Several Quotes

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.

Put More Money Down or Pay in Cash

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.

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Ohio?

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.

Should Ohio Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?

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:

  • You are willing and able to secure the building, electrical and zoning permits required to install solar panels in Ohio;
  • You are willing and able to apply for applicable solar incentives, tax credits and rebates;
  • You feel comfortable standing and working on your roof;
  • You have electrical or solar experience, and;
  • You have all the necessary tools and equipment.

If one or more of the above qualifications do not apply to you, we believe you’re better off going with a professional.

What Should Ohio Residents Look For in a Reputable Solar Installer?

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:

  • Holds the required solar licenses and certifications
  • Provides excellent customer service
  • Offers the solar services, brands and products you want

Holds Required Solar Licenses and Certifications

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

Provides Excellent Customer Service

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:

  • Communicate with you throughout the solar installation process. This includes sharing when they are coming, how long the installation will take and if any issues occur.
  • Be available even after your solar panels are installed, and follow through on warranties and guarantees if a problem arises.
  • Hire knowledgeable, experienced solar installers and technicians that are locally based.

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.

Offers the Solar Services, Brands and Products You Want

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.

Methodology: How We Ranked Ohio’s Solar Companies

top solar companies in ohio

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.

  • Solar Services (20%)
  • Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (20%)
  • Solar Warranty & Customer Support (15%)
  • Solar Financing Options (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Availability (10%)
  • Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (10%)

Solar Services

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.

Solar Company Reputation, Qualifications & Certifications

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.

Solar Warranty & Customer Support

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.

Solar Financing Options

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.

Experience in Ohio

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.

Availability

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.

Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance Factors

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.

FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Ohio

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.

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Article author
Faith is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds English and economics degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her background includes event management and technical publishing. Faith is passionate about the arts and loves exploring environmental issues through economic and artistic lenses. She also enjoys spending time in nature, collecting books and practicing her Spanish.
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Expert reviewer
Tori is an editor, writer, rock climber and travel enthusiast. A native New Yorker, she graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a degree in communications and journalism. Before joining EcoWatch, Tori helped to oversee communication strategies for the City of Philadelphia. Her experience also includes communications work in the nonprofit and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering political, environmental and social issues in New York's Hudson Valley. In her spare time, Tori can be found in the mountains climbing boulders, traveling to new cities or at one of Philadelphia's many music venues.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.0
    • Representatives are experts on local policies
    • Offers products from leading manufacturers
    • Full-service home energy solutions
    • No leases or PPAs
    • Relatively short workmanship warranty
    A+
    Solar Veteran

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