Best 5 Solar Companies in West Chester, OH

With West Chester's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar installer can help you set up and adjust a system that matches your energy needs without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll showcase West Chester's best solar providers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated a multitude of West Chester solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the superior:

• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment 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 complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the West Chester community for more than a decade.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most West Chester solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Lower energy bills: Producing some or all of your own electricity will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that allow you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• 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 "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to West Chester Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in West Chester

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

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 installers can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The top 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 West Chester

The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

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 every solar provider includes these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a five-kilowatt solar array in West Chester. This table lists more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in West Chester

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee 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 will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments 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