Best 3 Solar Companies in Elyria, OH

With Elyria's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an excellent area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. 282 homes in the area already use a solar PV or water heating system. Expert installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to embrace the solar bandwagon with confidence. On this page, we'll showcase Elyria's most reputable solar companies and offer valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Elyria solar companies.

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Elyria solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications 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 served the Elyria community for over 15 years.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Elyria Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Elyria

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Here are some key items to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Ohio may require a solar company to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For home solar panel installations, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements. Solar companies can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Elyria

Your solar panels' style will impact how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies include these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Elyria. This table shows more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Elyria

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We advise making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each business you're considering about the financing options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

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