The best solar installers in Ohio
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). For Dayton, Toledo, and other regions of the state, see the Honorable mentions below.
YellowLite Local
Why listed: 4.5-star Google rating from 230 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Kokosing Solar (formerly Third Sun Solar) Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 78 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Solar Energy Solutions Local
Why listed: 4.5-star Google rating from 17 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Gold Path Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 267 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Icon Solar Local
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 80 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Ohio residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the OH-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve Ohio), Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026), and Pink Energy / Power Home Solar (out of business — successor entities exist but verify license status before signing). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Ohio solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Ohio average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.13–$0.16 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,200–1,350 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (varies by utility) |
| Average cash payback | 11–14 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Ohio solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Ohio stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Ohio state-level incentives
- Property tax exemption: OH Statute §5709.53 — property tax exemption for qualified energy projects.
- Sales tax: OH does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Ohio
OH NEM varies by utility — AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy, Duke, AES Ohio each have separate rules. See also net metering explained.
- AEP Ohio: NEM with annual true-up www.aepohio.com
- FirstEnergy (OE/CEI/Toledo Edison): NEM www.firstenergycorp.com
- Duke Energy Ohio: NEM www.duke-energy.com
- AES Ohio: NEM www.aes-ohio.com
Ohio SREC market
OH SREC market: Tradable and produces ongoing revenue (smaller market than NJ/MD).
Ohio EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Ohio utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- OH Office of Energy & Climate: www.energy.ohio.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=OH — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Ohio
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Ohio installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Ohio installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong Ohio-based alternatives and EnergySage-screened regional installers. Get at least one bid from the top 5 plus one or two from this list, especially if you're in Dayton, Toledo, or other regions outside the top-5 geographic coverage.
Other Ohio-based installers
Ohio Power Solutions Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 89 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
TGE Solar Local
Why listed: Working website confirmed October 2026. No Google business listing was found — confirm the contractor license and ask for local references before signing.
Paradise Energy Solutions Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 48 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Sustainergy Cooperative Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 295 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Ohio
Worth a quote if you're near the state border — expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully OH-based installer.
Pink Energy / Power Home Solar successor caution Avoid
Why listed (as warning): Pink Energy / Power Home Solar went out of business and is on our defunct list. Several former PHS technicians and sales reps have spun up independent residential operations across OH using new entity names — verify any installer's current license status with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, check for active warranty backing, and ask explicitly whether the principals previously operated under Pink Energy or Power Home Solar before signing.
Tip: Net metering varies significantly by Ohio utility — AEP Ohio, FirstEnergy (Ohio Edison / Cleveland Electric Illuminating / Toledo Edison), Duke Energy Ohio, and AES Ohio (formerly Dayton Power & Light) each have different terms. Ask your installer to model your specific utility's tariff before assuming retail-rate net metering applies.
Frequently asked questions about Ohio solar
Does solar make sense in Ohio?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Ohio's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Ohio solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Ohio solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Ohio; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.