17 Best Solar Companies in Cincinnati, OH (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 17 in Cincinnati based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Cincinnati, OH
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Cincinnati homeowner saves $1,048/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Cincinnati
When choosing between the best solar panel installers, Cincinnati homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we're here to make switching to solar energy less confusing. Installation costs can be high, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills over time. In fact, you can expect to save about $12,000 over 20 years.
As you begin your search for the best solar companies in Cincinnati, you'll find that there are a lot of providers to choose between. So, we've organized an expertly curated list of the top solar companies in the area. To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Cincinnati, click the "get quote" button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Cincinnati
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Donovan Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
My Solar Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
SmartEnergy Ohio
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Duke Energy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Zuna Solar Cincinnati
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Sustainergy Cooperative
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Sustainergy Cooperative
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Solar Tint
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Cincy Solar Systems
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
GoSun
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Paff Electric & Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
RBI Solar Inc.
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Cincinnati
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati
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 Cincinnati
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your panels. There are a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Your location: This affects how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Typical energy usage: The more power your home uses on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more money you could save by going solar.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $12,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can afford.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you want to reduce your electricity costs, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Cincinnati homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Cincinnati
To increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make going solar more affordable and accessible. When you install solar panels, you become eligible to claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lowers your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some local incentives that you can take advantage of to further cut back on the cost of solar of solar panels. Check out our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cincinnati
There are a few primary reasons why people want to invest in solar energy: for the good of their bank accounts and the planet. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? If your family uses lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar power. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other perks apart from saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the planet too.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Cincinnati, OH Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Cincinnati?
In Cincinnati, Jefferson Electric of Greater Indianapolis, Serving Indiana is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.7 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
In most cases, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.