Best 7 Solar Companies in Norwich, OH

Norwich homeowners are committed to conserving resources and living greener lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar installers for their homes. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $810 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installer can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Norwich's best solar companies and learn key decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar contractors near Norwich, emphasizing the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Norwich solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Norwich community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Norwich Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Norwich

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Consider each of these factors in your company 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. Solar companies can also earn certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Norwich

Your photovoltaic panels' style will impact how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Norwich homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $17,050 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Norwich

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 loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. We suggest 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 have full ownership of 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 monthly 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 rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each salesperson about what's available, and obtain 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 Norwich.

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. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates 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