Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
A solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Making the switch to solar power can help cut your utility bills and lower your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and assembled a guide to the most trustworthy solar providers in Cincinnati. These top providers offer high-quality and dependable services.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When deciding if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. Ohio may require a solar installer to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For residential work, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements.
Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for you.
Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.
Solar panels can help reduce your electricity costs in the long run. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.
In Cincinnati, solar panels cost an average of $3,410 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.4 kilowatts. The typical Cincinnati homeowner spends $17,636 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's size, panel type, required preliminary work, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Low-interest, 30-year loan
Incentive Amount:
Residential New Construction: 100% tax abatement for 15 years
Residential Renovations: 100% tax abatement for 10 years
Commercial New Construction: Effective 75% tax abatement for 8-15 years
Commercial Renovations: Effective 75% tax abatement for 8-12 years
Incentive Amount:
Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC: up to $400
Central AC or Heat pump: $300-$400
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400
Smart Thermostat: $125
Heat Pump Water Heater: $350
Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300
Duct Sealing: $100
Duct Insulation: $75
Attic Insulation and Air Sealing: $250
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Cincinnati, your best time to get solar is in the spring and fall.
Yes. The grid in Cincinnati already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease 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 $968 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.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to inform your insurance company about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
The best type of residential solar panel depends on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Cincinnati. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
