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7 best solar companies in Columbus, Ohio
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 7 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Columbus. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Columbus, Ohio, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Columbus to help you choose the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, screen the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Columbus or opt for a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Provides solar panel and battery installation
- Offers comprehensive financing
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy enables Columbus homeowners to save about $1,300 per year.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Columbus
Focus on Columbus solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer commentary on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
EcoHouse Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Power Up Renewable Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
True North Heating Cooling Electric Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Village Solar Co
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
OGW Energy Resources
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Power & Light, LLC.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Paradise Energy Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Columbus?
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Columbus, can still benefit from solar panels. Key reasons to adopt solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can charge electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the surest method to ensure your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Using solar energy lets you cut your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be bought from utility providers.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Columbus
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Columbus?
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
Based on numbers from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), solar panel installation in Columbus has a typical cost of $18,047.
How much can you save by going solar in Columbus?
While solar panel installation may be a big initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Columbus from going solar
In Columbus, you can anticipate saving money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Columbus' average payback period for solar is 13 years.
- Annual solar savings in Columbus: Columbus homeowners can anticipate saving around $1,304 annually on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving around $19,057 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Columbus from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 87 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2175 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Columbus?
Several solar incentives are available to Columbus homeowners. Certain programs are open to all Ohio residents, whereas others vary by city, municipality and utility company.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Ohio residents, as listed in DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Loan Program Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program | $50,000 |
Rebate Program Consolidated Electric Cooperative - Heat Pump and Water Heating Rebates | Electric Water Heater: $200 - $400 Duel Fuel Heat Pump Rebate: $600 Geothermal Heat Pump: $1,000 |
PACE Financing Local Option - Special Energy Improvement Districts | Low-interest, 30-year loan |
Loan Program Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program | Rate reduction available for up to $50,000 and 7 years of the bank loan |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs) | SREC prices vary based on market conditions |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Columbus solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, go over these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households often consume more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local rules. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all residences get equal amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and severe weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature is essential in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage may lead to increased setup expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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