Best 5 Solar Companies in Lorain, OH

Lorain homeowners are intentional about preserving its natural resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel swamped searching for the right provider. Discover Lorain's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar providers near Lorain, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers 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.
• Certifications and credentials: Each provider 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 Lorain community for over 15 years.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Lorain solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lorain Homeowners?

The state of Ohio offers a number of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lorain

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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 earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lorain

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.

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

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

Financing Solar Energy in Lorain

Solar installers 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, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just 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. Look for installers that offer two or more 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 Lorain.

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

Sources

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