Best Solar Installation Companies in Ohio (2025 Guide)

By Jessica Wimmer Updated July 31, 2024

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According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Ohio has invested $1.6 billion in solar energy and has nearly 70 solar installers across the state. To help Ohio residents narrow down their options and choose a reliable solar provider quickly, we researched and compared the state’s best solar companies based on factors such as warranty coverage, customer satisfaction, system performance, and more. Read on to discover which providers made our list of top solar companies in Ohio.


Top Solar Installation Companies

We recommend the following solar companies to Ohio residents:


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Blue Raven Solar

Best In-House Financing
4.4

Warranty Option: Five-year manufacturer warranty
Panel Options:  Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
Financing: Cash purchase, solar loan

Blue Raven is a well-respected provider in the solar industry. It has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and a 4.46 out of 5 stars from customers. It stands out for its unique financing options.

Read More: Blue Raven Review

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

  • Provides a rare financing option that includes 18 months of free solar energy
  • Sells SunPowers’s high-efficiency solar products
  • Has won multiple awards for its in-house team’s performance

Drawbacks

  • Offers one of the shortest guarantees among our reviewed companies
  • Doesn’t have solar lease or power purchase agreement financing options
  • Some customer reviews mention aggressive sales tactics

What We Like

Blue Raven is known industry-wide for its reliability and trustworthiness. The company also stands out for its in-house financing option, which includes 18 months of free solar energy. We noted customers praising the knowledgeable staff and prompt installation in online reviews.

What Homeowner Reviews Say

Blue Raven Solar has 4.5 out of 5 stars from approximately 400 customer reviews on Google. Most customers report a great experience with the company. Those who rate the provider poorly cite improper installation that led to costly repairs.

“Professional, great project manager, and awesome crew. Installation looks amazing, and their engineering drawings were done in a clear, professional, and understandable manner.” —Juan via Google Reviews in May 2022

“Worst company and service ever. Their service and panel are causing leakage in my ceiling. They took $32,000 to install panels and later asked us to pay more for guards to fix the leakage.” —Beda via Google Reviews in October 2022

“Technicians were courteous and helpful. They cleaned up after themselves and were respectful of my property. Great group of guys that went through every step, were on time, and completed within scheduled time. Highly recommend this company if you are looking at solar panel installation.” —John via Google Reviews in December 2022

Palmetto Solar

Best Add-On Protection Plan
4.6

Warranty Option: 25-year manufacturer warranty
Panel Options:  Monocrystalline (Q Cells)
Financing: Solar loan, solar lease, power purchase agreement (PPA)

Palmetto Solar’s customer service team is easily reachable via phone, email, chat, online service request, or mobile app. The company also has a strong warranty and protection plan, and it provides a library of solar resources on its website.

Read more:  Palmetto Review

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

  • Offers a tiered system protection plan
  • Provides an online savings calculator to estimate your return on investment
  • Includes a 25-year panel output warranty

Drawbacks

  • Requires an additional monthly fee for active system monitoring
  • Doesn’t offer a free energy consultation
  • Doesn’t offer leasing or PPA financing

What We Like

Palmetto has a wide range of solar services, from comprehensive protection plans to pest abatement. Besides offering some of the market’s most efficient residential solar panels, Palmetto has a 25-year warranty and ongoing customer support via its app.

What Homeowner Reviews Say

Best Company’s customer reviews mention Palmetto’s professionalism and customer support throughout the solar process. Negative reviews cite slow panel activation timelines, though this could be due to local ordinances.

“The whole experience, from the salesperson to the installation team, was outstanding. Usually, in my experience, once the sale is done, there’s not much communication. With Palmetto, that was not the case. The communication continued throughout making sure all my needs and questions were addressed. Everyone we encountered was professional, friendly, honest, and went out of their way to keep us informed and provide us with very helpful information that one does not normally get.” —Guy via Best Company in February 2022

“Received panels over a month ago still not in service.” —Rhonda via Best Company in February 2022

“Palmetto installed my solar system in June 2021, and it has produced more energy than what I use daily. They have excellent customer support, and their app is very good.” —Josie via Best Company in December 2021

Tesla Solar

Most Advanced Solar Tech
4.2

Warranty Option: 25-year performance guarantee
Panel Options:  Monocrystalline (Hanwha)
Financing: Cash purchase, solar loan

Tesla’s solar products are available nationwide. It’s one of the few solar companies that provides an up-front solar quote on its website. It’s also responsible for the Powerwall, one of the industry’s most popular solar batteries.

Read More: Tesla Solar Review

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

  • Provides transparent online quotes with pricing details
  • Offers up to 10 Tesla Powerwalls per installation
  • Sells solar roofing options that replace your entire roof

Drawbacks

  • Lacks customization options, limiting system size to four choices
  • Provides only third-party installation
  • Some customers cite long wait times for repairs

What We Like

Tesla offers a range of sleekly designed solar panels that blend into your existing roof. Its transparent pricing and detailed website make it a valuable choice for customers looking to learn more about solar panels without needing to speak to a sales representative.

What Homeowner Reviews Say

Customer reviews on Best Company report that the Tesla system looks and performs as well or even better than expected. Customer complaints highlight slow turnaround times and trouble reaching customer support.

“I finally went with the Tesla Solar Roof (tiles not panels), and I couldn’t be happier. I needed a new roof anyway so decided to get it with two PowerWall backup batteries. The product looks amazing and [in my opinion] is the best looking solar product on the market right now.” —Robin via Best Company in May 2022

“The price that Tesla offered was great, and the installation went smoothly, but everything else has been a nightmare. No communications from my project advisor during the initial design phase; I had to call Tesla numerous times to ask questions. Once installed, it took Tesla four times over seven months to file the application to the utility company correctly.” —Timothy via Best Company in December 2022

“We leased our solar power system from Solar City before the buyout from Tesla Solar. Transparent transfer from one company to the other. Excellent transaction throughout with great communication from install through activation. We had to deal with our local power company for the connection and turn-on but that was very smooth with assistance from Tesla.” —Ronald via Best Company in May 2021


Solar Installation Cost Factors in Ohio

According to EnergySage, the average cost of a 6-kilowatt (kW) solar system in Ohio is $17,220. A few factors impact what your solar project will cost, including the following:


Solar Tax Incentives in Ohio

You can save money on your solar energy system by using solar incentives. Your solar installer should be able to tell you the incentives you qualify for, but a quick online search will also provide a list of the tax exemptions, credits, and rebates available in your area. We found that Ohio residents can apply for the following incentives:


Getting Solar Quotes in Ohio

You can get a solar quote online by following these steps:

  1. Click the “Get a Quote” button in the top-right corner or bottom of a provider’s homepage.
  2. You’ll be asked to fill out some routine information. Providers need to know your property size, roof pitch, and the type of solar equipment you’re interested in to give you a quote. They’ll also ask for some basic contact information.
  3. Once you submit your information, you’ll get a free quote instantly on the site or via email within a few minutes.

You can also call the company for an estimate if you prefer to speak with someone directly.


What to Ask Solar Providers

We recommend asking solar panel companies these questions before deciding on a provider:

In addition to questions about the installer, we suggest asking these about equipment:


Solar Services

Most solar energy companies offer similar services to help guide homeowners through the process and make the most of their system. Common solar services include the following:


Our Recommendation

We recommend any solar companies on our list, but SunPower and Blue Raven Solar are our top choices for Ohio. Both have excellent customer reviews, high-efficiency energy solutions, and 25-year warranty coverage. They’re also knowledgeable about solar incentives and can help you save money on your investment.

Before deciding on a company, we recommend reviewing customer feedback, warranty coverage, and system performance. We also suggest getting a quote from at least three companies to compare pricing.

Get Estimates from Local Solar Experts

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What Solar Installation Looks Like

Most solar installations follow this or a similar process after your system’s design is approved:

  1. Site evaluation: An installer visits your home to confirm the planned design and estimate the scope of work. This person or their team will also inspect your roof, attic, and electrical setup.
  2. Permit approval: Most states require a permit to install solar panels. Your solar provider should handle the paperwork with your local municipality.
  3. Installation: Installation typically takes one to three days. You don’t need to be home for it, but we recommend that you are so you can ask questions along the way.
  4. Cleanup: Installers should remove debris and leave your property in good condition.
  5. City inspection: Your provider should coordinate with your city to have an inspector check that your system is up to code.
  6. Utility connection: Your system must be connected to your local utility system if you’re connecting it to the grid. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following its utility guidelines—some providers will take care of this step for you. After getting permission to operate, your system can be turned on.

Solar Companies FAQ

Is it worth going solar in Ohio?

It’s worth going solar in Ohio due to below-average system costs and solar incentives that can help you save money when switching to clean energy. Areas such as Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and other cities with higher electricity rates can especially benefit from solar products.

What are the solar incentives for Ohio?

Ohioans can use Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs), state-sponsored interest rate reductions on solar loans, net metering programs, and the federal solar tax credit.

Which is the best solar company to buy panels from?

We recommend SunPower, Blue Raven Solar, and Palmetto Solar for their reputation, customer service, panel performance, and warranty coverage.

How much does it cost to put solar panels on a house in Ohio?

The average cost of a 6-kW solar panel system in Ohio is $17,220, according to EnergySage.


How We Chose the Top Solar Companies

We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.

Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.

We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.

Read more: Our Methodology