9 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, OH (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Columbia based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Columbia, OH
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Columbia homeowner saves $1,308/year with solar panels
Updated February 01, 2024
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
If you’re a home or business owner looking to make the most of the solar incentives in Columbia, it can be difficult to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, the process is worth it since adopting solar power is typically a good idea. For lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar panels highly depends on how much they can save. The good news is solar can help most homeowners save a decent amount on their large and increasing energy bills.
Here, we’ll narrow down some of the best solar companies in Columbia to make your choice a little easier.If you want to receive free, no-obligation quotes from the top Columbia solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbia
YellowLite
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Maintenance
Paradise Energy Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Maintenance
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Pink Energy Cleveland
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Solar Panel Upgrades
- Battery Storage
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
Better Together Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Commercial Panels
- Maintenance
- Full-Service
- Residential Panels
Solar Connection
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
- Financing Assistance
Wind Turbines of Ohio, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Full-Service
- Residential Panels
- Skilled Repairs
- Commercial Panels
EnSMARRT
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
The Lighthouse Installation LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
Trail Battery & Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Commercial Panels
- Residential Panels
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Columbia
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Ohio solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Columbia
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar installer to hire comes down to how much it’ll cost.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The amount of sunlight your house gets: Due to Columbia’s high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Your energy bills: This will determine your savings. In Columbia, the average homeowner can save about $1,300 a year on their electricity bills.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar energy system this year can save 0 of their total solar spend by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your utility bills over 20 years without incentives.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you much money over time because of reduced utility bills and government incentives.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also possibly use the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
A lot of people want to do what they can to help protect the planet, which in many cases is the prime reason for installing a solar system.You may be asking yourself – how much does making the switch do for the planet anyway? Something that can dramatically affect your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive overall. If you install solar panels and drive an electric car, you can vastly lower your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.Because solar panels don’t release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll no doubt understand that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Columbia, OH Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar company in Columbia?
In Columbia, YellowLite is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.70 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels call for a considerable upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do solar panels have to be replaced?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.