Ohio residents are lucky to have so many solar companies to choose from, but sifting through all the options can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for or what your options are. This article covers the seven best solar companies in Ohio, weighing each in terms of its cost, equipment quality, customer service, and more. You’ll also find a convenient overview of the most important factors to consider before going solar after in-depth company reviews.
Best Solar Installation Companies in Ohio
Below are the seven best solar companies we’ve found in Ohio:
- Best National Provider: SunPower
- Best Local Installer: Ohio Power Solutions
- Best Solar Financing: Blue Raven Solar
- Outstanding Regional Installer: Paradise Energy Solutions
- Outstanding Regional Installer: YellowLite
- Outstanding Local Installer: Icon Solar
- Best Technology: Tesla
Compare the Best Solar Companies in Ohio
The table below provides a quick look at the top seven solar companies in Ohio.
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Best National Provider | 9.8 | A+ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | $$$$ |
| Ohio Power Solutions | Best Local Installer | 9.7 | A+ | Variable terms for equipment, 15 years for workmanship | Yes | $$$$ |
| Blue Raven Solar | Best Solar Financing | 9.6 | A+ | 25 years for equipment | Yes | $$ |
| Paradise Energy Solutions | Outstanding Regional Installer | 9.5 | A+ | 25–30 years for equipment, 10 years for workmanship | Yes | $$ |
| YellowLite | Outstanding Regional Installer | 9.5 | A+ | 25–30 years for equipment, 10 years for the overall system | Yes | $$$ |
| Icon Solar | Outstanding Local Provider | 9.4 | A+ | 25 years for panels and inverters | Yes | $$$ |
| Tesla | Best Technology | 9.3 | B | 25 years for equipment, 10 years overall | No | $$ |
1. SunPower
SunPower has been in business since 1985, making it one of the most experienced solar providers in the country. It is a high-quality solar provider, offering high-efficiency panels with unmatched durability and longevity at a price that reflects its quality. SunPower offers an outstanding warranty that covers your entire solar energy system for 25 years, making it one of the best solar companies when it comes to peace of mind over repairs and maintenance.
The biggest downside to choosing SunPower is the price. The company is more expensive than most solar companies, although customer reviews indicate that most SunPower customers are satisfied and feel that they get what they pay for.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Almost 40 years of solar experience
- High-quality solar panels
- Outstanding warranty
Cons
- Very expensive
- Some installations are contracted out
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
SunPower is the face of the solar industry, providing high-quality solar installations to thousands of homes across the country. Unfortunately, you have to pay quite a bit more for SunPower’s reputation and premium equipment, although it’s worth it if you have the extra cash available.
Average Cost
SunPower solar installations cost well above the Ohio state average.
Warranty
SunPower’s warranty covers performance, equipment, and workmanship for 25 years, making it one of the best solar warranties in the business.
Solar Services
SunPower provides most solar services the average homeowner is looking for, including panels, battery storage, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and system monitoring.
Financing Options
The company offers several financing options. Customers can pay for their solar system outright in cash, take out a solar loan, lease solar panels, or enter into a power purchase agreement (PPA).
Specials or Incentives Offered
As of this writing, SunPower offers $100 per customer you recommend who signs up for a consultation.
In-House or Contracted Installations
SunPower is in the middle of transitioning to in-house installations, but some of its solar projects still use third-party installers. Make sure to ask your SunPower liaison who will perform your installation if you’re concerned about dealing with an independent installation company.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
SunPower only sells its own high-efficiency Maxeon panels.
Partnerships
SunPower has a high-profile partnership with the San Francisco 49ers to provide its stadium with solar power. The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and works with an extensive network of installers throughout the country.
2. Ohio Power Solutions
Ohio Power Solutions is a local solar installer that operates in Columbus, London, Springfield, Etna, Westerville, Cincinnati, and Dayton. The company was founded in 2009 and has a reputation for providing top-notch customer service and providing customers with access to some of the best brands available on the solar market. Customer reviews rave about Ohio Power Solutions’ transparency throughout the installation process and say the company’s communication and responsiveness are outstanding.
The only downsides to choosing to go solar with Ohio Power Solutions are that it’s a bit expensive, and its workmanship warranty is only good for 15 years. Still, the company is an excellent choice and the best local installer in Ohio.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extensive knowledge of the local solar industry
- Unparalleled customer service
- Decent selection of brands and equipment
Cons
- On the expensive side
- Workmanship warranty is shorter than we’d like
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Ohio Power Solutions is the perfect example of the archetypal local solar panel company. It offers outstanding customer service and personalized attention but can’t match the prices or brand selection of most national companies.
Average Cost
Ohio Power Solutions costs more than the Ohio state average.
Warranty
The company’s equipment warranties vary by manufacturer, but it offers a blanket 15-year warranty on workmanship.
Solar Services
Ohio Power Solutions offers solar panel installations and battery backups, as well as general contracting and electrical work.
Financing Options
The company accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Ohio Power Solutions installs its own systems, so you don’t have to worry about interfacing with an outside solar contractor.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company does not offer information about what brands it uses on its website, but customer reviews indicate that LG panels and SolarEdge inverters have been used in past solar projects.
Partnerships
The company is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), an independent company that offers a certification program for technicians working on photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar equipment.
3. Blue Raven Solar
Blue Raven Solar is a national solar company that distinguishes itself from its competition by offering the best solar financing in the industry. The company’s in-house BluePower Plus+ program gives customers access to sophisticated financing options without the hassle of dealing with an external financier. This makes it easier to get consistent customer service and keep track of your payments since everything about your solar installation is handled under one roof.
Blue Raven’s approach to solar is to keep its systems affordable by offering basic panel installations from less expensive brands. If you’re looking for an advanced solar system or want the best solar technology, Blue Raven isn’t the best choice. But if you want an affordable way to invest in clean energy and save money on your electric bills, Blue Raven is one of the best options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best financing in the solar industry
- Affordable
- Fantastic customer service
Cons
- Not exclusive to Ohio
- Limited selection of brands and services
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Blue Raven Solar has only been in business since 2014 but has become one of the leading installers despite its late start.
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar’s systems are more affordable than average in Ohio and may be your best bet to getting low-cost solar panels.
Warranty
The company offers a 25-year warranty on equipment, a 10-year warranty for workmanship, and guarantees system performance for two years. The equipment warranty is solid, but the workmanship warranty is a bit shorter than the industry standard.
Solar Services
Blue Raven doesn’t offer the most solar services, choosing to focus on bare-bones solar panel installations. The company announced that it would begin offering battery storage in mid to late 2022.
Financing Options
Blue Raven Solar’s most attractive feature is its BluePower Plus+ financing program. The company offers a wealth of financing options, from traditional solar loans with standard terms to delayed payment plans and more. Blue Raven also offers zero money down loans and loans with 0% interest for 24 months for qualified customers. If you’re planning on financing your solar panels and only want a basic installation, Blue Raven is one of your best options.
Specials or Incentives Offered
As of this writing, Blue Raven is offering $1,000 for the first two customers you refer who sign up with the company. The rewards increase to $1,500 for each referral, starting with your third.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Blue Raven Solar is an all-in-one solar company, which means it handles its installations internally.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
One of the biggest downsides to choosing Blue Raven is its limited selection of solar equipment. The company stocks panels from well-respected manufacturers like Silfab, Q Cells, and Trina, but you won’t have as much choice as you would from other installers.
Partnerships
Blue Raven partners with GivePower to bring clean drinking water to areas that need it through the power of solar desalination techniques.
4. Paradise Energy Solutions
Paradise Energy Solutions is a regional solar company that services most of Ohio, including Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Medina, Wooster, and Youngstown. Since its inception in 2009, Paradise Energy Solutions has installed more than 1,400 residential solar power systems throughout Ohio and the northeastern U.S. The company has a reputation for providing excellent solar warranties and a wide variety of solar equipment from the industry’s top brands. The company is a great choice for Ohioans, as its technicians are familiar with Ohio solar policies and will work with you to make the installation process quick and painless.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Robust warranties
- Good selection of equipment
Cons
- Only offers panels and batteries
- Limited financing options
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Paradise Energy Solutions has been in business for more than 10 years and maintains an impressive A+ rating from the BBB. The company’s customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, and it has a reputation for providing responsive customer service.
Average Cost
Paradise Energy Solar’s prices are average to below-average by Ohio’s standards, making it a great choice for homeowners on a budget.
Warranty
One of the company’s primary strengths is its warranty, which covers equipment for 25–30 years and workmanship and production for 10 years. While we’d love to see a longer workmanship warranty, 10 years is only slightly below the industry average, and the equipment warranty will cover your system for most of your system’s entire lifetime.
Solar Services
Paradise Energy Solar installs solar panels, battery backups, system monitoring, and EV chargers.
Financing Options
Paradise Energy Solutions offers solar loans through its financing partners but recommends customers access capital via a home equity loan through the lender they use for their mortgage. The company also accepts cash.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Paradise Energy Solutions is a turnkey solar company that handles the entire process for you internally, from the initial permitting and paperwork to installation and maintenance.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
The company carries solar equipment from leading brands like LG, Q Cells, Silfab, Axitec, SolarEdge, SMA, and Enphase.
Partnerships
Paradise Energy Solutions is a NABCEP-certified installer and a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
5. YellowLite
YellowLite is another regional solar installer that operates throughout most of Ohio. Despite being a large solar company with many locations across the northeast and midwest, YellowLite maintains a surprising level of customer service, with many customer reviews mentioning that the company’s responsiveness is outstanding. The company offers a solid lineup of solar products and services and backs its equipment for 25–30 years. YellowLite also offers general contracting and electrical work, making it easy to address any issues its technicians uncover during the installation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Larger company with top-notch customer service
- High-quality solar equipment available
- Familiar with Ohio solar
Cons
- Workmanship warranty is lacking
- Limited financing
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
YellowLite has been in business since 2009, making its A+ rating from the BBB all the more impressive. The company is not local to Ohio but has plenty of experience in the state, and its knowledgeable staff is familiar with the idiosyncrasies of installing rooftop solar for Ohio residents.
Average Cost
YellowLite is an average-priced solar company. You can expect to pay approximately the statewide average for an average-sized system from YellowLite.
Warranty
YellowLite’s warranty is good but not great. The company covers equipment for 25–30 years but only covers workmanship for 10 years under its “all-inclusive” warranty category.
Solar Services
The company installs solar panels and solar batteries and provides system monitoring. It also employs licensed electricians and general contractors and performs solar repairs and maintenance, which is nice to have for peace of mind.
Financing Options
YellowLite’s financing options are somewhat limited, but it offers basic solar loans and accepts cash payments.
Specials or Incentives Offered
The company mentions a $500 reward for anyone who refers a friend or family member to YellowLite for solar service, although the post hasn’t been updated since 2014, so we’re not sure if the offer still stands.
In-House or Contracted Installations
YellowLite is an end-to-end solar installer, so all of the company’s installations are performed by an in-house team.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
YellowLite carries solar equipment from Canadian Solar, SunPower, SolarWorld, LG, and Suniva, and its website says it can procure most brands upon customer request.
Partnerships
YellowLite is accredited by the BBB and is certified by NABCEP.
6. Icon Solar
Icon Solar is a local Ohio-based solar business operating out of Milford. The company has been in business since 2009 and has gathered a wealth of local experience and knowledge over a decade of installing rooftop solar systems for Ohioans.
The company carries a decent selection of solar brands — including Tesla products — and offers unparalleled customer service. Icon Solar is a full-service solar installer, meaning it handles the entire process for you, from surveying and permitting to procuring the equipment and installing it. This makes the company’s installation process smooth and painless and makes it a bit easier to justify the slightly above-average prices.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Local solar experts
- Good selection of products
- Extra warranty for roof leaks
Cons
- A bit more expensive than the competition
- Limited financing options
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
Icon Solar’s biggest upside is its years of experience with residential solar in Ohio. The company is well-equipped to handle the nuances and subtleties of installing rooftop panels in most areas of the state, making your installation quick and worry-free.
Average Cost
Icon Solar’s prices are average to above average compared to other solar installers in Ohio.
Warranty
The company’s warranty is solid, providing 25 years of coverage for panels and inverters. It also offers an additional warranty for roof leaks.
Solar Services
Icon Solar installs solar panels and solar batteries and offers efficiency upgrades to help keep your solar system operating near its peak as it ages.
Financing Options
The company accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs.
Specials or Incentives Offered
Icon Solar offers customers a $250 reward for referring new customers who eventually sign up with the company. The referral program is handled directly on the company’s website via an online form.
In-House or Contracted Installations
Icon Solar is a full-service solar company that performs its own installations.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Icon Solar is a certified Tesla installer and also carries equipment from Canadian Solar and Suniva.
Partnerships
Icon Solar is a NABCEP-certified solar business and a member of the Green Umbrella Regional Sustainability Alliance, a Cleveland-area initiative to bring awareness to clean energy and renewable energy projects throughout the region.
7. Tesla
Tesla is known for its pioneering work in electric vehicles and self-driving cars, but it’s also one of the top solar panel manufacturers. Tesla solar panels are extremely efficient, making them a great choice for people who want to get as much power out of their panels as possible. The company also offers several innovative rooftop solar options, such as solar roofing and solar shingles.
Unfortunately, Tesla also has a number of unusual business practices that make it a less desirable choice than many other top solar companies despite its superior technology. For example, Tesla contracts out its installations to third-party installers, making it difficult to get a consistent customer experience throughout your solar project. Tesla’s panels are also quite expensive, making them prohibitive for homeowners on a budget. However, Tesla offers price matching, which makes it easier to afford Tesla solar panels as long as you get a quote from another company first.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly efficient panels
- Uncommon options like solar roofing and solar shingles
- Price matching makes it easy to find a great deal
Cons
- The list price is very high
- Third-party installations
- Subpar warranty
Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services
The company’s warranties are not as good as warranties from other solar companies, so you might want to consider another solar provider if you don’t want to run into headaches down the road.
Average Cost
Tesla’s panels cost above the [State] average, but customers can take advantage of price matching to get great deals on Tesla solar systems.
Warranty
Tesla’s warranty only provides workmanship coverage for 10 years, well below the industry standard. However, its equipment is covered for 25 years.
Solar Services
One of Tesla’s strengths as a solar installer is its unique technologies, like solar roofing and solar shingles. The company also installs traditional solar panels and provides battery storage via its industry-leading Tesla Powerwall technology.
Financing Options
The company accepts cash and solar loans.
In-House or Contracted Installations
All Tesla solar installations are performed by third-party companies.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Tesla only carries its own brand of equipment.
Partnerships
Tesla is accredited by the BBB and has an extensive network of third-party installers across the country.
Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in Ohio
SunPower offers the best solar service in Ohio in terms of performance-to-price ratio. Even though SunPower’s solar panel systems are expensive, they also offer the highest performance ratings and have outstanding durability. This means SunPower systems will save you more money in the long run and are less likely to need repairs and maintenance.
If you prefer to do business with a local solar company, look no further than Ohio Power Solutions. The company offers an excellent selection of top brands and has best-in-class customer support. Ohio Power Solution’s technicians are experienced installers, and the company is well-versed in Ohio’s solar laws, so you don’t have to worry about handling the details yourself.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Solar Company in Ohio
Choosing a solar installer is a big decision for most homeowners and not one that should be taken lightly. To help make the decision process a little bit easier, we’ve put to
Cost of Services & Installation
The number one concern prospective solar customers have is the cost. Solar panel installations are expensive, and the upfront costs prevent many people who would otherwise switch to solar power from making the transition. Luckily, the price you see advertised for solar panels isn’t as bad as it seems after you take into account federal tax credits, state solar incentives, and the lifetime savings on electric bills you’ll enjoy for the two to three decades after you install a solar system.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
Virtually every solar company offers a warranty for performance, equipment, and workmanship. However, the terms and conditions associated with those warranties can vary significantly from one company to the next. It’s important to understand the terms of the warranty a company provides before you sign any contracts since shorter coverage periods leave you open to out-of-pocket expenses as your solar system ages.
The standard warranty in the solar industry is 25 years for workmanship and equipment. Some companies also offer performance coverage that guarantees your panels will continue to produce power at a rate above some threshold — typically 80%. You should also check to see if a company offers energy efficiency upgrades, as these become increasingly necessary as your system ages.
Solar Services Offered
If you’re only interested in a basic solar system, any company will do. However, not all companies offer advanced options like system monitoring, efficiency upgrades, and EV chargers. Make sure any company you’re considering can provide the services you want before you commit so you don’t get stuck with a system that doesn’t have all the features you want.
Financing Options
Solar loans are the best way to invest in solar power on a budget. Most competitive solar companies offer financing options with reasonable rates and low down payments to help homeowners take advantage of rooftop solar even if they don’t have enough money to pay for a solar installation outright. Some companies even offer no money-down solar loans for qualified customers, so don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal in your area.
Do They Contract Installation?
Most solar companies perform in-house installations these days, but some still contract out installations to independent businesses. A third-party installation can be more difficult to manage than one performed by the same company that procures the equipment since you have to juggle multiple points of contact, and it’s not always clear who’s responsible if the project runs into an issue.
In general, we recommend sticking with an end-to-end solar company that handles the entire process internally. You’ll have fewer headaches that way.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Just like how some cars have better gas mileage than others, some solar panels are more efficient than others. SunPower and Tesla have the most efficient panels available today, but other companies like LG, Panasonic, and Q Cells are also high-quality options. Some companies only offer certain brands, while others can install any brand you like, giving you more freedom to design the ideal system for your home’s energy needs.
Panels aren’t the only piece of equipment that makes up a solar system. Inverters take the DC current the photovoltaic cells produce and convert it into AC power that your home can use. Enphase, SolarEdge, and SMA are the leading inverter manufacturers and are available from most solar installers.
Solar batteries are an optional component that allows your home to continue to use electricity during power outages. Tesla’s Powerwall batteries are generally considered the best in the business, but Enphase’s Encharge batteries and LG’s LG Chem storage solution are also great options.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
Reading customer reviews online is an essential part of researching solar companies. Customer reviews often highlight the less savory aspects of dealing with a company and can help you get a sense of what a company’s customer support is like before you become a customer yourself.
Keep in mind that reviews on the internet are often biased. Try to read reviews from many different sources, and don’t base your decision on a single review, whether it’s positive or negative. You should also be wary of any companies that don’t have any reviews since that can be a sign of review manipulation.
Industry Partnerships
The solar industry depends on the synergy between different companies to function, and solar installers need to have solid relationships with other solar businesses to stay afloat as the field evolves. A company with many partnerships is more likely to be invested in the future of solar energy and more likely to continue to provide support for its products for many years to come.
Size of Company
A final factor you may want to consider when choosing a solar installer is its size. Larger solar installers provide better access to more brands and products on average than smaller companies. They also usually have lower prices since they have better deals with equipment manufacturers and can afford to place bulk orders. The tradeoff is that large companies often have lackluster customer service compared to smaller local businesses.
Conversely, small solar companies are often able to give you more attention than a large corporation, making you feel more like a valued customer and less like a number in a database. Unfortunately, small companies usually can’t offer the same prices as larger ones, so you’ll have to decide if the extra cost for better service is worth it to you.
FAQs about the Best Solar Companies in Ohio
Is solar worth it in Ohio?
Yes, definitely. Rooftop solar installations can help save Ohio residents tons of money on their monthly energy bills. Many people incorrectly assume that solar panels are only worth it in the sunniest states like California or Florida and are surprised to learn solar systems are worth it throughout the entire country.
Does Ohio offer solar incentives?
Ohio residents are eligible for the federal tax credit and other Ohio solar incentives which is sometimes called the solar investment tax credit or ITC. Unfortunately, Ohio does not have a state solar incentive program or state tax rebate.
Some Ohio utility companies offer net metering, so you can take advantage of any excess energy your solar system produces. How much you save through net metering depends on your local electricity rate.
Is solar energy efficient in Ohio?
Yes, it is. Solar efficiency depends on latitude, but the effect is not strong enough to render solar panels useless in midwestern states like Ohio. Installing rooftop solar in Ohio will decrease your home’s carbon footprint and significantly increase your overall energy efficiency.
How much does it cost to get solar panels in Ohio?
The average price of solar panels in Ohio is $23,000 before the federal tax credit and $17,000 after.
Today's Homeowner’s Solar Companies Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated all of each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all of the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the best solar energy companies and give each a score out of 100 based on the following criteria:
- Plan Options (30): Do they provide a variety of plan options? We looked at the number of plans each solar energy company offered and the flexibility of adjusting the plan.
- Services offered (20): How many services are offered in each plan? We looked at whether the company manufactures its own solar panels, whether it contracts out installation, and what additional products each company offers.
- Trust (10): What do customers say after their solar panels are installed? Does this company offer a guarantee? We considered how satisfied customers are post-service if the company does what it says it will, BBB accreditation, and service guarantees.
- Prices (10): How reasonable are the costs of the plan or service in comparison to the industry average? We compared the costs of each company to competitors that offer the same solar energy services.
- Unique perks (10): Does the company offer discounts or special services such as financial incentives, rebates, or a useful mobile app? We looked for extras each company offers that set them apart from the competition.
- Customer Service (10): How is the customer experience when contacting the company? We considered the speed of response, weekend/holiday availability, and ease of communication through phone calls, email, and online chat functions.
- Nationwide availability (10): How many states does the company offer its services? Companies that operate nationally and in all zip codes are favored over those with limited availability.
