Best 4 Solar Companies in Newark, OH

Newark 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 $880 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll show you Newark's premier solar providers and share insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed a multitude of Newark solar providers, using the following criteria to select the top-notch:

• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Newark community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Newark solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Newark Homeowners?

Ohio homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, reimbursements and rebates. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Newark

The cost and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Here are some key items to remember while searching for a solar specialist.

Licensing and Training

Ohio may require a solar company 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 certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. 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 Newark

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor offers these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Newark and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,050 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Newark

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. We advise making a cash payment or using 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

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.

Sources

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