Best 5 Solar Companies in Upper Arlington, OH

Upper Arlington homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to power their homes and heat their water. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $880 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. On this page, we'll show you Upper Arlington's premier solar installers and share expert advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to assess the best Upper Arlington solar companies.

• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Upper Arlington solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Upper Arlington community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. 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 has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

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

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Upper Arlington Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Upper Arlington

The cost and performance of solar panels often depend on the provider that mounted them. Consider each of these elements in your business search.

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 credentials. Two of the most prestigious 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 Upper Arlington

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 electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,050 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Upper Arlington. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Upper Arlington solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Upper Arlington

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and leases. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best 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 benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and get 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 Upper Arlington.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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