Best 5 Solar Companies in Union, OH

With Union's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel swamped searching for a good provider. On this page, we'll highlight Union's most reputable solar companies and provide insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Union solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the top-notch:

• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Union community for a decade or longer.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Union solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers 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.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Union Homeowners?

Ohio homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for tax credits, rebates, reimbursements and special financing. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Union

The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer 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 Union

Your solar panels' model will affect how much power you can generate. 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 are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar company offers these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Union and are considering getting 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 Union

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

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

Sources

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