11 Best Solar Companies in Columbus, OH (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Columbus based on:
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Customer review scores - Service area for Columbus, OH
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbus homeowner saves $1,380/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Columbus
Searching for the top solar companies in Columbus? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find valuable for their wallets, communities and the planet. Because Columbus has a great capacity for solar energy generation, switching to solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.
There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we'll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Columbus. To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Columbus, you can click "get quote" below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbus
Ecohouse Solar
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Free Quotes - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations - Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
BC Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Power Up Renewable Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
Modern Energy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Lifetime Quality Solar Columbus
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Made2Serve Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Mister Electric
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Boundless Power Systems
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Village Solar Co
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Solar Flare Heating & Air
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
4thD Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
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 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 Columbus
Although solar panels can help save you money on energy over time, it's necessary to know the startup costs. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Columbus gets a decent amount of average daily sunlight, your solar panels can generally generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your electricity bills will be.
- Your income and budget: This affects what model of solar panels you can get.
- How much energy costs for you: If your local utility rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Columbus, you can save an average of $109 a month on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: Something that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can give you an average of $16,000 of savings over 20 years.
So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you'd like to lower your energy bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a great investment for many Columbus homeowners.
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If you're interested in finding out 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, OH.
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Solar Incentives in Columbus
One of the good things about installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn a decent amount of money back after paying for solar panels. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbus
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt solar power is to cut your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment. But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? The amount of energy you use is a key factor to consider. The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your impact when you go solar. If you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 90 pounds a year. If you care about the environment, you'll no doubt recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Columbus, OH Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Columbus?
The top local solar company in Columbus is Power Siting Board, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are some of the major advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, for some, totally erase your electricity bills, raise your home's value and bring down your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don't use a lot of electricity and it doesn't work for all roof types and locations.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my house?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and how much energy generation you want.
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.