Choosing the right solar installer in Ohio can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Ohio’s top-rated solar companies, combining Solar Power Systems expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Ohio’s most trusted solar installers:
Blue Raven Solar review 2029 Riverside Dr, Columbus OH, 43221
Ecohouse Solar review 1809 OBrien Rd., Columbus OH, 43228
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Ecohouse Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating read more…
Ecohouse Solar review 4350 Equity Dr, Columbus, OH 43228
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Ecohouse Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating read more…
Nerd Power review 1000 Taylor Station Rd, Columbus OH, 43230
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Nerd Power read more…
Feazel review 7895 Walton Pkwy, New Albany, OH 43054, United States
Feazel is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 5 states. With a foundation read more…
YellowLite review 36 Grace Dr, Powell OH, 43065
Our Expert Choice badge goes to YELLOWLITE, which concentrates on serving fewer than 7 states. With a foundation dating back read more…
Ohio Power Solutions review 3100 SR 187 London, OH 43140
Ohio Power Solutions is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
Ohio Power Solutions review 3100 State Route 187, London OH, 43140
Ohio Power Solutions is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
Feazel review 1395 Research Park Drive, Beavercreek, Ohio 45432
Feazel is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 5 states. With a foundation read more…
OGW Energy Resources review 5205 So Co Rd 25A Tipp City, OH 45371
OGW Energy Resources is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With read more…
Kokosing Solar review 762 W Union St, Athens, OH 45701, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Kokosing Solar read more…
Kokosing Solar review 762 W Union St, Athens, OH 45701
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Kokosing Solar read more…
Solar Power and Light review 2411 Crosspointe Dr, Miamisburg, 45342, OH, US
Solar Power and Light is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. read more…
ARP Solar review 10131 Haga Ridge Road, Stewart OH, 45778
ARP Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 4 states. With a read more…
Paradise Energy Solutions review 525 Belden Cir, Sugarcreek OH, 44681
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Paradise Energy Solutions, which concentrates on serving fewer than 8 states. With a foundation read more…
Paradise Energy Solutions review 525 Belden Circle NE, Sugarcreek OH, 44681
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Paradise Energy Solutions, which concentrates on serving fewer than 8 states. With a foundation read more…
Feazel review 149 Commerce Dr, Loveland, OH 45140, United States
Feazel is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 5 states. With a foundation read more…
Icon Solar review 50 W Techne Center Dr, Milford OH, 45150
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Icon Solar read more…
Icon Solar review 50 W. Technecenter Dr. Suite K Milford, OH 45150
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Icon Solar read more…
Melink Solar review 5130-5140 River Valley Road Milford, Ohio 45150 Cincinnati USA
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Melink Solar read more…
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Ohio?
If you’re wondering how much solar panels cost in Ohio, you’ll find prices are actually more competitive here than in many neighboring states. Right now, residential solar panels run about $2.90 per watt, which puts Ohio on the affordable end of the spectrum. That means a typical 5-kilowatt system—enough for many households—comes in around $14,500 before you factor in any incentives.
The cost to install solar panels varies based on your home’s energy needs and the equipment you choose. Most Ohio homeowners spend between $15,000 and $28,000 upfront, though the federal tax credit brings that down considerably. And here’s something important: 2025 is your last chance to claim that federal incentive.
Ohio Solar Panel Costs by System Size
| System Size | Average Cost Before Tax Credit | Average Cost After 30% Tax Credit | Estimated Monthly Production | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,500 | $10,150 | 500-600 kWh | |
| 6 kW | $17,400 | $12,180 | 600-720 kWh | |
| 7 kW | $20,300 | $14,210 | 700-840 kWh | |
| 8 kW | $23,200 | $16,240 | 800-960 kWh | |
| 9 kW | $26,100 | $18,270 | 900-1,080 kWh | |
| 10 kW | $29,000 | $20,300 | 1,000-1,200 kWh | |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Based on $2.90 per watt average for Ohio. Actual solar panel prices may vary by installer, equipment quality, and location.
Looking at average electricity rates in Ohio—currently 16.44¢ per kilowatt-hour—most households with monthly bills around $147 find that a 9 kW system matches their usage pretty well. When you’re calculating how much it costs to install solar panels for your specific situation, remember that solar panels in Ohio come with some solid incentives that cut into that initial price tag.
Solar Incentives and Tax Credits in Ohio
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Here’s something you need to know if you’ve been putting off going solar: the federal tax credit disappears after December 31, 2025. This isn’t a reduction—it’s gone completely for new installations after that date. Right now, you can still claim 30% of your total solar costs back on your federal taxes. That’s a substantial chunk of change, and if you don’t use it all in one year, you can roll the remainder over to the next tax season.
State and Local Solar Incentives
In addition to the federal program, Ohio has established several state incentives that lower solar costs:
Net Metering: If your panels produce more electricity than you use, the extra power goes into the grid, and you get credits on your account. Credit rates are different for each utility and are usually lower than retail rates, but net metering still helps cut your energy expenses and keep your bills steady on cloudy days.
Ohio’s Qualified Energy Project Tax Exemption: You don’t have to pay any personal property taxes on your solar system. One less thing to worry about.
Financing Programs: The Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program gives solar projects low-interest loans, which makes it simpler to pay for the initial cost.
Power Rates in Ohio
Anyone who paid attention to their electric bill knows the pattern. Rates from 2021 through 2024 spiked from 12.8 cents to 16.1 cents per kilowatt-hour, or by 26%, in a period of just four years. There’s no reason to think that trajectory will flatten out anytime soon. This is actually one of the strongest arguments for solar: you’re essentially locking in your energy costs for the next 25-30 years while everyone else keeps dealing with rate hikes.
Specific Considerations for Ohio Solar
Solar Irradiance and Climate
Ohio gets about 173 sunny days annually, which admittedly falls a bit short of the national average. But here’s what matters: it’s more than enough for solar panels to deliver strong returns. Your panels will produce their best numbers during summer, obviously, but they keep working through fall, winter, and spring too. Even on overcast days—and yes, Ohio has plenty of those—modern panels still generate electricity. The four-season climate actually works fine for solar production.
Permitting and Interconnection
The good news is that Ohio keeps the permitting process relatively simple for residential installations, though you’ll find some variation depending on which city or county you’re in. Most projects need building permits from your local municipality—these typically cover structural and electrical inspections. Nothing too onerous, but you’ll want an installer who knows the local ropes.
The interconnection process with your utility follows standardized rules, but timelines bounce around depending on which company serves your area and how big your system is. Working with an installer who’s done plenty of projects with your specific utility makes a real difference in how smoothly this part goes.
Timeline Expectations
Installation Timeframe
From the day you sign a contract to the day your system goes live, you’re looking at roughly 1-3 months for a typical residential installation in Ohio. Here’s how that breaks down:
- Initial site assessment and system design: 1-2 weeks
- Permit application and approval: 2-4 weeks
- Equipment procurement: 1-2 weeks
- Physical installation: 1-3 days
- Utility interconnection approval: 2-4 weeks
Permit Processing
Permit timelines vary quite a bit across Ohio. Major metros like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati usually process permits within 2-3 weeks. Smaller municipalities might take 3-4 weeks or occasionally longer. After installation wraps up, count on another 2-4 weeks for utility interconnection sign-off. Some jurisdictions offer expedited processing for a fee if you’re in a hurry.
One thing to keep in mind: with that December 31, 2025, federal tax credit deadline looming, installers are booking up fast. If you’re serious about claiming that 30% credit, starting the process in the next few weeks is smart. Waiting until late fall could mean cutting it close or missing out entirely.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in Ohio?
So, are solar panels worth it in Ohio? For most homeowners, yes—especially right now. Ohio might not be Arizona when it comes to sunshine, but the math still works out favorably. Between electricity rates that keep climbing, a solid lineup of incentives, and that soon-to-disappear federal tax credit, the conditions are about as good as they’re going to get.
Most systems in Ohio pay for themselves in 8-12 years. After that, you’re generating electricity at essentially no cost for another 15-20 years or more—panels typically last 25-30 years. That’s a long stretch of protection from whatever utilities decide to charge everyone else.
When you’re weighing how much solar panels cost against what you’ll save, don’t just look at year one. Think about where electricity rates might be in 5, 10, or 20 years. Solar panels in Ohio give you a hedge against that uncertainty. And if reducing your environmental footprint matters to you, that’s another benefit that’s harder to quantify but no less real.
The window for the best incentives closes at year-end. If you’ve been considering solar, this is the time to move forward rather than keep thinking about it.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Ohio?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Ohio is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed and insured and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, as well as warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers who are willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know the incentives and regulations in the area better, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
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