Who Are The Top Solar Panel Providers in Ohio
Ohio’s solar market is growing rapidly as more homes and businesses look for cost-effective renewable energy solutions. Understanding the top solar providers and installation requirements can help you choose the right partner for a successful solar investment.
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Key Takeaways
Ohio’s expanding solar industry offers businesses and homeowners a variety of installation providers, financing options, and renewable energy incentives. With installation costs declining and strong market growth projected, solar power is becoming an increasingly practical investment. Evaluating provider experience, installation requirements, and available incentives can help organizations make informed decisions about adopting solar energy.
Ohio’s solar market is growing rapidly.
Several national and regional installers serve the state.
Proper roof angle, space, and sunlight improve performance.
Solar panels typically last 25–30 years.
Incentives and net metering reduce overall costs.
Ohio’s Top Solar Panel Companies Are:
Ohio is Shining Brightly in the Realm of Solar Energy
With more businesses and homes turning to solar power, it’s essential to know which companies lead the market. Ohio’s cost of solar panel installation has decreased 47% in the last decade, proving it an ideal time to invest. Explore Ohio’s top rated solar companies and what to expect during the process to find the right renewable energy solution for you.
Ohio Solar Energy Statistics
Ohio currently ranks as the 17th state for solar energy with a capacity of 2,275 Megawatts. That’s enough energy to power 298,590 homes. In the next five years, Ohio’s capacity is expected to grow to a remarkable 7,485 Megawatts. That’s an expected growth of 229%, enough to power 6.1 million households!
With this growth rate, Ohio’s solar energy economy is booming. There are 242 solar companies currently operating in Ohio, creating 7,486 jobs. Ohio’s solar economy is worth $3.1 billion with projections to grow considerably thanks to federal funding.
Top 5 Solar Panel Installation Companies in Ohio
There are 66+ solar installation companies operating throughout the state of Ohio. Picking the best company for your installation takes time and diligent research. We’ve done some of the legwork for you! Whether you want to support local businesses or put your trust in an experienced national brand, you’re likely to find an ideal solution from the top rated residential solar companies in Ohio.
#1 SunPower Solar – Most Experienced Solar Supplier
SunPower Solar is a highly experienced national installation company specializing in home solar solutions. With more than 40 years of dedicated experience, they’re the only U.S.-based solar company that’s been around longer than their 25-year warranty. SunPower Solar’s wealth of experience has also awarded them more than 1,000 patents for solar innovations. They’ve also received 2 awards from Consumer Affairs for Best Customer Service and Best Installation.
#2 Palmetto Solar – Best Protection Plans
Palmetto Solar is a national company providing installations with an innovative protection plan. The Palmetto Protect Plan safeguards your investment with proactive monitoring, smart issue detection, and impeccable customer service. Their 95% Performance Guarantee promises that if your energy output is less than 95% of your verified estimate, you’ll receive a check to cover the shortfall. This guarantee covers weather issues, panel underperformance, and repair downtime. Their protection plan provides peace of mind that your investment will operate at peak performance.
#3 Blue Raven Solar – Best Financing Options
Blue Raven Solar has been providing expert installation services with accessible financing options since 2014. Their overarching goal is to provide renewable energy and storage solutions with flexible financing options. Blue Raven Solar offers a popular $0 down financing option with no payments due for the first 18 months. They also provide an array of financing options to align with any budget.
#4 Fusion Power – Best Regional Solar Company
Fusion Power is a values-driven regional solar panel installation company whose core focus is to provide a positive impact. They’re dedicated to helping businesses and homeowners take control of their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. They offer a full range of solar solutions, including solar panel installation, battery storage, EV charging, and maintenance services. Their innovative energy efficiency mortgage program also helps new homeowners incorporate renewable energy investments into the purchase of their home.
#5 Ohio Power Solutions – Best Local Solar Company
The top-rated local solar power solutions company is Ohio Power Solutions. With headquarters in London, Ohio, they’ve been providing expert renewable energy solutions in the greater Columbus area for more than a decade. While they are particularly renowned for solar panel installations, Ohio Power Solutions also provides solutions for wind power, back-up generators, and lighting installations.
What Are the Ideal Roofing Conditions for PV Panels?
There are several key components to consider when planning a rooftop solar panel installation. The ideal roof for solar panels meets the following requirements:
- Roof faces South at 180 degrees to maximize sun exposure
- The roof has direct sun exposure for 6 continuous hours
- There’s 400-600 square feet of open space, unobstructed by dormers or chimneys.
- The roof isn’t showing any signs of damage, wear, or age
- The roof’s slant is between 30-45 degrees
While these are the ideal conditions for solar panel installation, your property doesn’t have to tick every box perfectly. Many solar panel professionals can navigate around factors like roof direction, angle, and roofing material to create a customized solar solution.
Can I install solar panels on other areas of my property?
If your rooftop isn’t ideal for solar panels, you can still harness solar power on your property. Ground-mounted solar can be installed anywhere with good sun exposure and enough space. These stand-alone solar systems typically require between 350 to 600 square feet. Ground-mounted solar is often called backyard solar due to this popular application.
What to Expect When Installing Solar Panels in Ohio
After choosing your preferred supplier, the installation process begins. Starting with your solar contract and ending with interconnecting it to the grid, most solar projects take 2-6 months. While each installation company has their own unique methods, they generally follow the same five steps:
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need?
The average 2,000 square foot home typically requires between 15-25 solar panels, around 9 kilowatts (kW) to fully meet their energy demand. The exact number depends on your household’s unique energy consumption patterns. For example, a family of four in a 2,000 square foot home will likely require more power than a couple in the same space.
Small and mid-sized businesses are a bit trickier to determine. Each business within each industry has unique energy needs. Most small to medium-sized businesses will require 50 kW to 200 kW. This can vary depending on the equipment fueling business operations, how energy intensive your industry is, and the square footage available for solar panels. For business customers, it’s best to consult with an installation expert to make sure your energy demand is met.
How Much Does Solar Panel Installation Cost?
The cost of solar panel installation varies depending on the size of your system. The average household typically requires a 9kW system, costing $24,000 on average. A small business with a 50kW system will likely cost around $147,500 whereas a more energy-intensive business with a 200kW system will cost around $494,400 on average. While these numbers are enough to give anyone sticker shock, there are additional considerations that make solar a worthy investment. Solar panels reduce or fully offset your energy expenses.
Solar Tax Incentives Help Reduce Solar Install Costs
Upfront installation costs are often the biggest barrier to adopting renewable energy solutions. Fortunately, there are a variety of financial incentives and tax credits available to offset these costs! The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can help offset the cost of solar by up to 30%. There are additional state and local incentives available as well. Explore available incentives through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) and discover a world of savings.
How Long Do Solar Panels Last?
Solar panels last 25-30 years, providing an average lifetime savings of $62,059 for a 10kW system. In addition to substantial lifetime savings, there are a variety of additional financial incentives to support your solar investment.
Net Metering Programs in Ohio
After your solar panels have been installed and connected to the grid, you can participate in net metering programs. Net metering allows you to sell excess generated power back to the utility, which is paid back to you in account credits. These credits can be redeemed during times when you can’t generate enough power for your energy demand, such as during inclement weather conditions. Ohio’s four utilities, Duke Energy, AES Ohio, AEP Ohio, and FirstEnergy offer net metering programs.
What if My Premises Aren’t Compatible with Solar Panels?
While solar technology is compatible with most building structures, sometimes it’s not the perfect solution for your home or business. Fortunately, consumers in deregulated energy markets have the option to choose their own supplier – including options with 100% renewable energy plans. Choosing a green energy supplier enables you to harness sustainable solar energy without any additional expenses, permits, or loans.
More on The Top Solar Panel Installers
#1 SunPower Solar
Contact:
1-800-SUNPOWER
880 Harbour Way South, Suite 600
Richmond, CA 94804
Service Area:
SunPower Solar services all 50 states in the nation.
Customer Review: Yvette 5/5
“My experience with SunPower solar has been nothing short of exceptional. From their cutting-edge technology to their commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, SunPower stands out as a leader in the solar industry.”
#2 Palmetto Solar
Contact:
855-339-1831
1616 Camden Road, Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28203
Service Area:
Palmetto Solar proudly serves 19 states in the nation including: Ohio, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.
Customer Review: Donna Grashoff, 5/5
“Great experience having solar installed on my home. The whole process was quick and easy and Dennis did all he said he would do. Everyone that I encountered during this process was polite and respectful. I would highly recommend Palmetto when you switch to solar.”
#3 Blue Raven Solar
Contact:
1-800-377-4480
1403 N. Research Way
Orem, UT 84097
Service Area:
Blue Raven Solar proudly serves 19 states across the nation including: Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
Customer Review: Kathikeyan Sundharam 5/5
“From day 1 I was well informed about the options and the process clearly. Once I have signed the contract I have given update on each step. All the people who worked with me, including the installers, are very friendly and informative. My overall experience was very good from day 1 to the day I have switched on the Solar power.”
#4 Fusion Power
Contact:
844-387-6797
6150 W. Chandler Blvd. Suite #17
Chandler, AZ 85226
Service Area:
Fusion Power offers their installation services in Ohio, Arizona, and Texas.
Customer Review: Nina Jaurigue 5/5
“My experience with Fusion Power was impressive from the start to finish.
I was very nervous about going solar because I didn’t know if I could trust this process with any company but Fusion Power helped me throughout this process. They communicated every step and I felt well informed. The installation team did a great job even assuring their work site was clean, and customer service reps have been very helpful and have a quick turnaround time to responding to any questions.”
#5 Ohio Power Solutions
Contact:
1-800-SUNPOWER
880 Harbour Way South, Suite 600
Richmond, CA 94804
Service Area:
SunPower Solar services all 50 states in the nation.
Customer Review: Yvette 5/5
“My experience with SunPower solar has been nothing short of exceptional. From their cutting-edge technology to their commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, SunPower stands out as a leader in the solar industry.”
Top-Rated Solar Energy Suppliers in Ohio
Not all energy suppliers are equal, so choosing the best supplier to match your sustainability goals is essential. While most energy plans include some portion of renewable energy, the suppliers listed below offer 100% solar energy plans in Ohio. If your premises aren’t compatible with solar panel installation, these suppliers offer clean, green energy alternatives.
AEP Ohio – ECO-Advantage Plan
AEP Ohio is part of the American Electric Power family with 6 Gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy powering Ohio homes and businesses. Consumers can enroll in AEP’s ECO-Advantage energy plan to source all their power from 100% renewable solar and wind energy. AEP is a nine-time winner of Fortune Magazine’s “World’s Most Admired Companies in Electric and Gas Utilities Sector.” They combine eco-friendly initiatives with expert customer service.
Constellation – Constellation Offsite Renewables (CORe) Plan
Constellation is the leading producer of net-zero emission energy, providing 10% of the nation’s renewable power supply. Their CORe and CORe+ plans enable businesses and homes to power daily life with 2,575 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy. As a sustainability leader, Constellation plans on producing 100% carbon-free power by 2040. Constellation has also won seven awards for their sustainability efforts.
Engie – PortfolioRE and EasyRE Plans
Engie is headquartered in Texas, the nation’s leading producer of renewable energy. With their PortfolioRE and easyRE plans, consumers can power daily life with renewable solar and wind power. Engie’s customized clean energy plans provide a variety of applications to match various industries and business needs. Beyond customized plans, Engie also offers Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset carbon emissions.
Hudson Energy – JustGreen Plan
Hudson Energy believes that adaptability is essential in the ever-changing energy industry. Their JustGreen energy plan provides 100% renewable energy through carbon offsets and renewable energy credits, providing an accessible way to reduce your carbon footprint. For more than 20 years, Hudson Energy has provided affordable green energy solutions for homes and businesses.
Santanna Energy Services – Earth-Friendly Plan
Santanna Energy Services is an employee-owned energy supplier that has been providing energy solutions for 35 years. Their Earth-Friendly energy plan provides consumers with 100% renewable energy from solar, wind, and hydropower resources. Santanna Energy Services pairs their Earth-Friendly plan with a nonprofit partnership with One Tree Planted to bolster your impact. For every Earth-Friendly energy plan purchased, a new tree is planted in the United States, further improving emission reduction efforts.
Start Your Solar Energy Journey in Ohio
Integrity Energy helps businesses explore renewable energy options and competitive electricity plans. Connect with our experts to find a cost-effective energy solution that supports your sustainability goals.
About the Author 
Michael McKelvey
