Best 5 Solar Companies in Hamilton, OH

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Hamilton

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the provider that installed them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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 Hamilton

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Hamilton. This table lists more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Hamilton

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, loans, and 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 installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use 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. Ask each provider you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.