10 Best Solar Companies in Cincinnati, IL

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Last Updated: February 25, 2025

Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Cincinnati homeowners. Adopting solar energy can help you save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've done the research and compiled a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation providers in Cincinnati.

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Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Cincinnati

Advertisement This site receives compensation from some of the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. When you click "Get Quote," you will be connected with partners who may contact you with information related to your inquiry. This listing doesn't feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.

SOLAR PANTHER

SOLAR PANTHER Logo

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4703 North Ellen Court, Peoria Heights, IL 61616 (309) 886-6830 thesolarpanther.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Consultation
Grid-tied solar system
Battery storage
Financing assistance
Skilled repairs
Permit assistance

StraightUp Solar of Bloomington

StraightUp Solar of Bloomington Logo

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505 N Main St Suite A, Bloomington, IL 61701 (309) 260-2663 straightupsolar.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Grid-tied solar system
Financing assistance

Sunrun Solar

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User Rating

688 High Point Ln, East Peoria, IL 61611 (833) 324-5886 sunrun.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Consultation
Grid-tied solar system
Permit assistance
Cleaning and maintenance
Skilled repairs
Battery storage
Panel installation

Sun Collectors

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User Rating

4507 N Sterling Ave #400, Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 300-3875 suncollectors.solar

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Grid-tied solar system
Cleaning and maintenance
System decommissioning
Panel installation

SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC

SunPower by Legacy Solar, LLC Logo

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301 S Quincy St, Towanda, IL 61776 (309) 231-3138 legacysolarpower.com

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance

WindSolarUSA, Inc.

WindSolarUSA, Inc. Logo

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104 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 825-4206 windsolarusa.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Consultation
Panel installation
Permit assistance
Financing assistance
Grid-tied solar system

Route 66 Solar

Route 66 Solar Logo

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1 W Old State Capitol Plaza Suite 505, Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 652-6533 route66solar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Grid-tied solar system
Panel installation
System decommissioning

Nelnet Renewable Energy

Nelnet Renewable Energy Logo

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User Rating

4109 Oakland Ave Unit B, Bloomington, IL 61704 (888) 202-5630 nelnetenergy.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Financing assistance

EFS Energy

EFS Energy Logo

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User Rating

920 S Spring St Suite 2600, Springfield, IL 62704 (217) 993-9801 efsenergy.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance
Consultation
Panel installation

Skydrop Energy

Skydrop Energy Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

24049 Burr Oaks Ln, Athens, IL 62613 (217) 556-9269 skydropenergy.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation
Permit assistance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission issues licenses to distributed generation energy contractors, including solar installers.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should outline all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the most cost-effective option for your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your electricity costs over time. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased outright or financed through a lease or loan. Confirm important financing details such as payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can add up to significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local electric providers may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the eligibility rules and rebate values with your local utility provider to find out what you could save.

Cost of Solar Installation in Cincinnati

Cincinnati homeowners typically spend about $16,749 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Cincinnati cost roughly $3,760 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 6.4 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Cincinnati Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program

Website: icc.illinois.gov

Incentive Amount:

Negotiated with procurement administrators

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Varies

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Cincinnati, IL

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.

With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.

It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Cincinnati, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.

Of course. Cincinnati uses a balanced mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will lower your home's emissions and provide cost savings, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Cincinnati, the average amount someone can save is $928 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.

Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can return the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.

Of course. Solar panels don't depend on the grid to work and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.

Other Cincinnati, IL Home Services

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