Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Westlake. A new solar energy system can help you provide a dependable source of power, add value to your property, and decrease your carbon footprint. Making the transition to solar energy can allow you to save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and compiled a guide to the best solar companies in Westlake. These proven and dependable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
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:
Going solar can be a great way to lower electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is trustworthy.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation 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.
Check consumer review platforms like Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with providers that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call three to five solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the most cost-effective option for your budget.
Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Westlake will depend on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system could range from $3,410 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Westlake are 7.9 kilowatts, and the typical Westlake homeowners spends $18,803 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
Low-interest, 30-year loan
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Westlake can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months to maximize your generation for the year.
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 Westlake, the average amount someone can save is $1,095 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.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Westlake with moderate sunlight, the period could last 17.2 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough where you could achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Yes. Solar panels exist independently from the power grid in Westlake 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.
