Best 3 Solar Companies in Cleveland Heights, OH

Cleveland Heights residents are intentional about protecting the environment and living greener lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for a great installer. On this page, we'll showcase Cleveland Heights' best solar providers and give expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed a multitude of Cleveland Heights solar providers, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Cleveland Heights solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Cleveland Heights community for more than a decade.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Cleveland Heights Homeowners?

Ohio's public agencies and power companies offer a number of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Cleveland Heights

The more informed your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Cleveland Heights

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar provider includes these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Most Cleveland Heights homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,050 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Cleveland Heights

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, leases, cash payments, and loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each consultant about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Cleveland Heights.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy