Best 5 Solar Companies in Springfield, OH

Springfield homeowners are intentional about safeguarding the planet and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. Solar installers take a distinctively educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and adapt it to their needs. On this page, we'll highlight Springfield's premier solar contractors and provide expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Springfield solar companies.

• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Springfield solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Springfield community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: 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 happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the added 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 to help pay for your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Springfield Homeowners?

The state of Ohio offers multiple solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Springfield

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Consider each of these aspects 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 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 credentials. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded 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 Springfield

Your solar modules' type will influence how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these additional features, 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 Springfield. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Springfield

There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, cash payments, and loans. We advise making a cash payment 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set 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 don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant 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 Springfield.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

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