Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Sandusky, Ohio, you'll need to hire a certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Sandusky to help you find the right one.
Before settling on an installer, ask others for suggestions, review the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Sandusky or pick an established national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy enables Sandusky homeowners to save an average of $1,100 every year.
Many solar companies provide different services. Make sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Look for Sandusky solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Sandusky, can still benefit from solar power. The major reasons to switch to solar power are:
Based on the results of our survey done in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In Sandusky, solar panel installation costs around $16,595, according to data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see considerable savings on your energy bills in the future.
In Sandusky, you can expect to save money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
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Several solar incentives are available to Sandusky homeowners. Some programs are open to all Ohio residents, while others vary by utility company, city and municipality.
Available solar incentives to Ohio homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Loan Program Hamilton County - Home Improvement Program | $50,000 |
PACE Financing Local Option - Special Energy Improvement Districts | Low-interest, 30-year loan |
Loan Program Energy Conservation for Ohioans (ECO-Link) Program | Rate reduction available for up to $50,000 and 7 years of the bank loan |
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Certificates Program (SRECs) | SREC prices vary based on market conditions |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive homes tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system faces the risk of inadequate energy generation to completely power your home.
Required permits and local or state laws could influence your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage could raise the overall installation cost.
Several solar panel varieties are available, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and space taken on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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