Solar Panels in Ohio: Best Companies, Costs and Incentives

Electricity rates in the US have increased significantly in the past year. Meanwhile, the cost of residential solar panels has decreased by 52% in the last 10 years, and there are more available incentives to offset solar costs. 

While solar power provided one-fifth of Ohio's renewable energy generation in 2021, renewables only accounted for 4% of the state's electricity generation. That doesn't mean your home has to run on natural gas or coal. 

You can lower your carbon footprint and save on energy costs by switching to solar on your rooftop. Residents who choose to go solar can also access incentives, such as net metering programs. 

Here's a look at the cost of going solar in Ohio and some of the top solar installers operating in the state.

Average cost of solar panels in Ohio

Here's a look at the average cash price for a 5-kilowatt system before factoring in tax credits and incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. But your system might become more expensive if you choose to include Solar Batteries or additional equipment in your purchase.

How to pay for solar panels in Ohio

As with any major purchase, you will want to think about where the money for the panels will come from. And the money from the tax credit won't be yours until after you've filed your taxes for the year the panels are installed.

Here are some ways to pay for solar panels:

• Solar loan: Your solar installer likely has a relationship with a bank or other financial institution to offer a loan designed for solar panels. This can be a great deal, but you'll want to get multiple offers to ensure the rates and terms are the best.
• Cash: This is the simplest approach, but it works only if you happen to have tens of thousands of dollars sitting around in a bank account. If you don't have that yet, but you want solar panels in the future, consider saving money in a high-yield savings account. Interest rates are high right now, and this can help you save faster.
• Personal loan: You can also borrow the money through a personal loan. The main difference between a personal loan and a home equity loan is that a personal loan is typically unsecured. That means your house isn't at risk. The downside is they tend to have shorter terms and higher interest rates than home equity products.
• Home equity: You don't have to use a loan from your solar company. Financial institutions offer home equity loans and lines of credit, aka HELOCs, that are commonly used for home improvement projects. These loans can be used for basically any purpose, and they may be a good fit for your solar project. Shop around and make sure you're getting the best deal.

Ohio solar panel incentives and rebates

Adding solar panels to your home is a considerable investment, even with decreased solar prices. Solar tax credits and incentives make choosing green energy more affordable in Ohio. The federal solar tax credit, known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit, offers 30% of the cost of a solar system as a credit when you file your taxes. The credit applies to solar systems purchased from the beginning of 2022 through 2032.

Ohio offers additional incentives from the state and local governments. The following are a few you should know. 

The best solar panel companies in Ohio 

According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, Ohioans have 56 solar installers. Some solar companies hire installers, while others keep the entire process in-house. Ask your selected solar company about its process, so you know who to contact from start to finish. We narrowed down the best solar companies in Ohio based on industry trends and customer reviews. 

Local Ohio solar installers

You don't have to go with a major national company to install your solar panels. Many smaller, local companies offer solar panel installation and other services. Here are a couple we found.

Ohio Power Solutions

Ohio Power Solutions is a family-owned local solar installer headquartered in London, Ohio. The company serves cities such as Columbus, Dayton and surrounding areas. Its goal is to provide accessible and affordable solar products to meet customers' needs. 

Ohio Power Solutions installs Silfab and Q Cell solar panels, which both come with at least a 25-year warranty on the products. Solar battery options include SolarEdge and Enphase. The company includes a 15-year quality-of-work warranty for proper installation and service. The main benefit of choosing a local, family-owned installer is that the entire solar installation process is completed in-house, from sale to activating your system, instead of having subcontractors or other companies involved. 

Yellowlite

Since 2009, Yellowlite has provided solar energy systems to residential and commercial customers in Ohio. Start with a free consultation and evaluation detailing recommended products, system size and 30-year potential savings.

Yellowlite's certified professionals install name-brand products from companies like LG, SunPower and Tesla. The company offers a 10-year quality-of-work warranty in addition to the solar products manufacturer warranty.

Read more: Want something smaller than a whole-home solar system? See our picks for the best portable solar panels and solar generators.

Installation factors to consider

Here are five things to consider when deciding if installing a solar system is right for you. Consider what type of solar panel system you want. Among other differences, some solar panels are more efficient than others.

Ohio solar panels FAQs