Best 5 Solar Companies in Middletown, OH

With Middletown's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar company can help you install and tune a system that meets your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll showcase Middletown's leading solar installers and offer valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar contractors near Middletown, concentrating on the following criteria:

• 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 been a part of the Middletown community for more than a decade.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Middletown solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Middletown Homeowners?

Ohio's public agencies and power companies offer a range of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Middletown

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

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 companies can also pursue certifications 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 Middletown

The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

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

If you're a resident of Middletown and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,050 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Middletown

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set 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 don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. 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 Middletown.

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