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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 4 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Hilliard. 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 Hilliard, Ohio, you'll need to find a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the top solar companies in Hilliard to help you choose the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the right company for you. You can go with a local Hilliard solar company or use a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels call for a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Hilliard homeowners to save $1,200 on average each year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should compare different companies and get quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Look for Hilliard solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with more rain or clouds like Hilliard, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Based on numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Hilliard has an average cost of $18,014.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
After fully switching to solar power, Hilliard homeowners usually see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy lowers your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Hilliard. Certain programs cover all Ohio residents, while others are determined by your city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives available to Ohio residents, as listed by DSIRE.
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Loan Program Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program | $50,000 |
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. |
Consider the following before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
Your solar panel system's size is influenced by your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and will potentially require more substantial solar installations. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Required permits and local or state codes could affect your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
To conserve excess power, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is essential when sunlight is scarce and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage may lead to increased installation costs.
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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