Best Solar Companies in Columbus, Ohio

Best Columbus solar companies

Solar isn't just an investment; it's a lifestyle choice. We've focused on companies that understand the unique needs of Columbus homeowners.

How we chose the best solar companies in Columbus

We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in Columbus, 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

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

Solar panel costs in Columbus

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

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 or if you don’t opt into Columbus’s net metering program. System size is the other major solar cost factor.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Columbus

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 Columbus?

Solar panels are generally worth it in Ohio if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Columbus homeowners with solar panels can avoid $52,568 in total utility costs over 25 years.

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).

Considering Ohio averages 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. 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.

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 Columbus

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: Ohio requires solar installers to hold an electrical contractor license, which you can verify through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). 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.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• 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.

Going solar in Franklin County

With its mix of sunny and cloudy days, Columbus homeowners should consider systems with efficient energy storage or net metering options.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Ohio ranked 10th in 2024

Residential solar panel incentives in Columbus

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Columbus homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

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.

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

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.

You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in Ohio to maximize savings. For instance, you might be eligible for incentives through the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority.

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 Columbus, 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 Columbus 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. Blue Raven Solar
2. ION Solar
3. CleanChoice