Affiliate Disclaimer: All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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.
Compare Solar Companies
| Star Rating | Location Presence | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SunPower |  | 50 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| ADT Solar |  | 23 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Sunrun |  | 21 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Blue Raven Solar |  | 18 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Palmetto Solar |  | 20 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Momentum Solar |  | 11 States | A+ | Get Free Quote | |
| Tesla Solar |  | 50 States | A+ | Get Free Quote |
| SunPower | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| ADT Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 23 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Sunrun | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 21 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Blue Raven Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 18 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Palmetto Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
 |
| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 20 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Momentum Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 11 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Tesla Solar | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Location Presence | 50 States |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
Top Solar Installation Companies
We recommend the following solar companies to Ohio residents:
- Most Experienced: SunPower
- Best In-House Financing: Blue Raven Solar
- Most Protection: Palmetto Solar
- Most Aesthetic: Tesla Solar
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:
- Brand: As with other industries, different brands charge varying product and service prices.
- Energy efficiency: Expect to pay more for high-efficiency panels.
- Panel type: The more durable and high-performance the panel, the more expensive. Monocrystalline panels are the most popular but priciest panels on the market.
- Roof pitch: Most solar installation companies charge more for riskier or more difficult installations. Plan to pay more for labor if your roof has a steep pitch.
- System size: How much energy you need to power your home determines your system size. The bigger the system, the higher the cost.
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:
- Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs): For each megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity your panels produce, the state will give you one SREC to sell for cash.
- State-sponsored interest rate reductions: Under the Energy Conservation for Ohioans Program, financing your solar power system is now more cost-effective. When you apply for the program, you’ll receive up to a 3% interest rate reduction on your solar loan for up to seven years.
- Net metering: Some local utility companies offer net metering programs that allow you to sell them any excess energy your system generates in exchange for credits. You can use these credits to pay your electricity bill if you rely on the power grid as a backup energy source. Duke Energy has the top net metering program in Ohio.
- Federal solar tax credit: This tax incentive reduces what you owe on your federal income taxes by 30% the year after you install your system.
Getting Solar Quotes in Ohio
You can get a solar quote online by following these steps:
- Click the “Get a Quote” button in the top-right corner or bottom of a provider’s homepage.
- 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.
- 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:
- Are you certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), licensed, bonded, and insured?
- Can you share a few customer references?
- Does your team do all the work, or do you use subcontractors? How do you check the quality of the work your subcontractors perform?
- How long have you worked in the solar industry?
- How many systems have you installed? May I see photos?
- Have you worked with my local utility company?
- What is your business license number?
- Who do I contact if I have a question or issue? What are turnaround times like to resolve issues?
In addition to questions about the installer, we suggest asking these about equipment:
- Are there any complaints about your equipment?
- Is this what you have/would put on your home or business?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of your equipment?
- What product warranty protection is offered for each piece of 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:
- Consultation: Every good solar provider will begin your project with a consultation to discuss your goals and determine your energy needs. This can be virtual or in-home.
- Design: Experts will design your system based on your needed electricity and roof layout.
- Installation: Not all companies use an in-house installation team. Some use third-party companies. Some only install panels, while others also install solar batteries, electric vehicle chargers, and other equipment.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Many warranties include some sort of maintenance plan through your provider for a certain time frame. Check if a company provides maintenance or cleaning services after installation.
- System monitoring: Some companies provide ongoing system monitoring or a mobile app that lets you track your system’s performance.
- Additional services: Some solar providers team up with third parties that offer other services that can coincide with solar installation, such as roofing and pest control services.
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.
What Solar Installation Looks Like
Most solar installations follow this or a similar process after your system’s design is approved:
- 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.
- Permit approval: Most states require a permit to install solar panels. Your solar provider should handle the paperwork with your local municipality.
- 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.
- Cleanup: Installers should remove debris and leave your property in good condition.
- City inspection: Your provider should coordinate with your city to have an inspector check that your system is up to code.
- 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
