Best 3 Solar Companies in Strongsville, OH

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Strongsville

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Strongsville

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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 electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies offer these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Strongsville

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.