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Best Solar Companies in Cleveland, Ohio

We compared 8 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Project Solar
      4.8(77)
    • Community solar
      CleanChoice Energy
      4.7(58)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Cleveland, Ohio

      Our top solar company picks for Cleveland

      1. Best overall: Project Solar
      2. Our pick for community solar: CleanChoice Energy
      3. Great for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in Cleveland based on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies in Cleveland

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies best equipped to meet most Clevelanders’ energy needs.

      Our top pick overall

      Project Solar

      4.8
      77 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2016

      We’ve talked to more than 50 Project Solar customers from across the country. Over a recent two-year period, 94% were satisfied with the price. Satisfaction ratings on customer service and technology were also above industry averages.

      Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options. We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

      The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Silfab and Enphase.

      • Services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for their homes.
      • Warranty information: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s and 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
      • Payment options: Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

      Pros

      • Easy sign-up process
      • High-quality equipment
      • Great value

      Cons

      • Occasional miscommunications
      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing
      Our pick for community solar

      CleanChoice Energy

      4.7
      58 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      N/A
      Payment options
      Varies
      Year founded
      2012

      CleanChoice Energy isn't a solar panel installer, but the company works with American Electric Power Ohio to help residents switch to solar power. It purchases renewable energy on your behalf through grid power and renewable energy certifications, making it a good option for those who rent or otherwise can't install a solar panel system.

      • “The enrollment process with CleanChoice Energy was favorable. I already knew about it and thought it's a good idea to use renewable energy and everybody should. I'm in favor of that. I wanted to do it and they made it easier. When I called for something, the customer service reps were nice to talk to, friendly and helpful. I was happy with the call.” — James in Northfield
      CleanChoice generally buys the cheapest clean energy available in your area, but you should be aware that energy prices can still fluctuate. While a few negative reviews mention issues with promotional rates, the majority of customers are satisfied with their experience.

      CleanChoice Energy acts as an alternative energy supplier. Instead of getting your electricity from the default utility company in your area, it can provide electricity sourced from wind and solar power generated in the region. It has monthly, quarterly and annual memberships. There are no cancellation or early termination fees for residential customers, so you can stop at any time without penalty.

      Pros

      • 100% clean energy from local sources
      • Variable and fixed payment plans
      • No termination fees
      • Referral bonuses

      Cons

      • Services vary by location
      • Prices are dependent on market

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment and fast deliveries. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters and everything else for an off-grid or hybrid setup.

      • “They were responsive in shipping and they were easy to contact. The quote I got was comparable. One of the panels broke and they quickly shipped another one within a week. It was a good response. The installation is still ongoing. I'm just waiting for the weather to break and I need to find an installer.” — Kurt in Chardon

      Some customers have told us about problems with damaged equipment. On the bright side, reps try to quickly resolve these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      • Services: Reps can help you design a custom solar system based on your specific energy requirements. The company doesn't offer direct installation services, but online tutorials and video guides are available.
      • Warranty information: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties.
      • Payment options: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International. It also partners with Affirm to offer financing options.

      Pros

      • Great for RVs and outbuildings
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      How we chose the best solar companies in Cleveland

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Cleveland, Ohio, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      Cleveland solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to dozens of Ohioans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Cleveland residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $28,032 in Cleveland.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers in Cleveland may falsely claim to be affiliated with a Cuyahoga County or Ohio government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in Cleveland

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,310 to $26,600 in Ohio. Prices in Cleveland are comparable, ranging from $8,960 to $25,600.

      This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average Cleveland household needs a system with a capacity of 10.95 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in Cleveland

      How can I pay for solar panels?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

      • Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright.
      • Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in Cleveland?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in Ohio if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. The Buckeye State actually ranked as one of the better places for going solar in 2024.

      On average, Cleveland homeowners with solar panels can avoid $52,568 in total utility costs over 25 years. For some, it’s worth it for the environmental benefits alone.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Cleveland is known for its cloudy skies, so panels need to be highly efficient in low-light conditions. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator. The City of Cleveland: Guide to Going Solar is another helpful resource for residents.

      Potential roof problems

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in Cleveland

      In our experience, the best solar companies in Ohio have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

      • Check certifications: You can verify your contractor's electrical license through the Ohio Department of Commerce. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
      • Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

      Solar incentives in Cleveland

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You may be able to combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Ohio to maximize savings.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

      Cleveland solar FAQ

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      Homeowners associations (HOAs) in Ohio cannot outright ban solar panels on homes, but they can place restrictions on your system’s size, location and installation method.

      » GREENEST STATES: Ohio ranked 29th in 2024

      How does net metering work in Cleveland?

      Net metering lets you earn credits on future utility bills for sending any excess solar energy into your local power grid.

      The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) oversees net metering policies in Cleveland. As of publishing, your renewable energy system must be primarily intended to offset part or all of your own electricity requirements, up to 120% of your annual consumption.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in Cleveland?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Cleveland. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      A third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Cleveland

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Cleveland, Ohio. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Cleveland customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Project Solar
      2. CleanChoice Energy
      3. ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Cleveland, OH." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Ohio Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. DSIRE, "Ohio Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Ohio." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, "Solar Power for Your Home." Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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