Best 7 Solar Companies in Orange, OH

The Orange community is purposeful about conserving resources and embracing sustainability. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. If you live in one of the area's numerous old homes, you might doubt your electrical system would support solar panels. However, new technology and savvy installers can help these homeowners access renewable, clean power. In this guide, we'll showcase Orange's best solar companies and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Orange solar providers, using the following criteria to determine the finest:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Orange community for more than a decade.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Orange solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with energy storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Orange Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Orange

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

Ohio may require a solar installer to hold a state contractors' license, but only for commercial work. For residential work, cities can establish their own licensing or regulatory requirements. Solar providers can also earn certificates from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Orange

Your solar modules' model will impact how much power you can produce. 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors include these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Orange

Choosing the ideal financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and loans. We suggest paying with cash 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 cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to 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. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further 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