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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 7 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Middletown. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Middletown, Ohio, you'll need to find a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Middletown to help you find the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and get multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Middletown or use a well-known national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy allows Middletown homeowners to save an average of $1,000 per year.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Ahead of arranging your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Search for Middletown solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Middletown, can still use solar power. The major reasons to adopt solar energy are:
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost 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 pick any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
Based on numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Middletown has an average cost of $17,749.
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
In Middletown, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting 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.
Experts Ready to Help
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Middletown. Certain programs are applicable to all Ohio residents, while others depend on your municipality, utility company and city.
The following solar incentives are offered 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 Duke Energy (Gas & Electric) - Residential Efficiency Rebate Program | Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC: up to $400 Central AC or Heat pump: $300-$400 Geothermal Heat Pump: $400 Smart Thermostat: $125 Heat Pump Water Heater: $350 Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300 Duct Sealing: $100 Duct Insulation: $75 Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250 |
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 |
Loan Program Butler Rural Electric Cooperative - Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan Program | $25,000 |
Rebate Program Butler Rural Electric Cooperative - Residential Rebate Program | Geothermal Systems (New Installations): $1,200 Geothermal Systems (Replacement Systems): $600 Dual Fuel Heating Systems (New Installations): $600 Dual Fuel Heating Systems (Replacements): $300 Air Source Heat Pump Systems (New and Replacements): $300 Insulation: maximum of $800 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower) Air Sealing: maximum of $400 or 50% of project cost (whichever is lower) |
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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation professional, evaluate these key considerations.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive residences tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar installation project may be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to acquire the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not all residences get similar amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is invaluable when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
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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