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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 8 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Kettering. 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 Kettering, Ohio, you'll need to hire a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Kettering to help you find the right one.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, review potential installers and collect multiple quotes to find the ideal company for you. You can choose a local Kettering solar company or choose a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels need a large initial investment, you can reduce your energy expenses in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Kettering homeowners to save a yearly average of around $900.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before arranging your solar panel installation.
Seek out Kettering solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and similar review websites. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for consistent bad reviews.
Places with differing amounts of sun, including those with more rain or cloud coverage like Kettering, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for considering solar energy:
According to the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you select any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In Kettering, solar panel installation costs an average of $17,836, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see big savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Homeowners in Kettering who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also lowers your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Kettering can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available across the state for all Ohio residents, and others are based on your municipality, utility company and city.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Ohio residents, according to 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 |
Rebate Program Dayton Power and Light - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Heating & Cooling Air Conditioning: $100 - $150, varies by efficiency and equipment application Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250, varies by efficiency and equipment application Geothermal Heat Pump: $800 - $1,000, varies by efficiency and equipment application Heat Pump Water Heaters: $400 Airlfow/Climate Control WiFi Thermostat: $20-$30 Smart Thermostat: $75 Air Insulation & Sealing: Up to $650, must be through approved contractors Appliance Recycling: $50 |
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 these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
The size of your system is determined by 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 large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not every house gets the same sun exposure. Local tree coverage, rainfall and extreme weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems include a solar battery. This feature becomes critical during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, adding battery storage could increase installation costs.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each varying in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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
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