Best 5 Solar Companies in Mentor, OH

With Mentor's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. Solar installers take a distinctively educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and customize it to their needs. On this page, we'll showcase Mentor's leading solar companies and provide valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Mentor solar companies.

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Mentor solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Certifications and licenses: 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 Mentor community for a decade or longer.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Mentor Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Mentor

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider each of these factors in your service provider search.

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. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious 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 Mentor

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 want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark 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 every solar company offers these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Most Mentor homeowners opt for solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,050 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Mentor

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, leases, and loans. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 reduce 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 benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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 company you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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