Best 5 Solar Companies in Findlay, OH

Findlay homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $830 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Findlay's best solar companies and learn crucial decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar contractors near Findlay, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Findlay solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Experience and professional licensure: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Findlay community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Lower utility costs: Generating some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Findlay Homeowners?

Ohio homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, rebates and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Findlay

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately function. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

Ohio may require a solar installer 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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Findlay

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.

Most Findlay homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,050 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Findlay

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 solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar leases. 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

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. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs 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